Aklan State University

College of Teacher Education

Graduate Studies Program

Banga, Aklan

TRANSLATING VERBAL PHRASES TO ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Objective—  

• Translate verbal phrases to mathematical expressions.

Remember this...

     In translating verbal phrases into algebraic expressions, you should...

• Know the words that are used to indicate mathematical operations.
• Some of these words are shown in the chart that follows. 

Example:

—  Translate the verbal phrases into algebraic expressions.

1. The sum of x and y

                                Answer: x + y

2. 6 more than a

                                 Answer: a + 6

3. Twice m

                                 Answer: 2m

Try This

—  Translate the verbal phrases into algebraic expressions.

1. 7 times p                              

2. r increased by 5                               

3. Thrice the number w

Speaking Mathematically

• —  5x + y is read as “five x plus y” or “the sum of 5x and y.”
• 5(x + y) is read as “five times the quantity x plus y” or “five times the sum of x and y.”

Reference

—  Nivera, G. (2012). Grade 7 Mathematics: Patterns and practicalities. Makati City: SalesianaBOOKS by Don Basco Press, Inc. 

Prepared by:

GELYN N. ISAGAN

MAEd - Mathematics