Writing algebraic expressions introduction

Writing expressions

Learn to write algebraic expressions in and out of word problems.

Why do we have math if we can describe things in words?

Sometimes in math we describe an expression with a phrase. For example, the phrase

" $2$ more than $5$ "

can be written as the expression

$2 + 5$ .

Similarly, when we describe an expression in words that includes a variable, we're describing an algebraic expression (an expression with a variable).

For example,

" $3$ more than $x$ "

can be written as the algebraic expression

$x+ 3$ .

But why? Why use math if we can describe things in words? One of the many reasons is that math is more precise and easier to work with than words are. This is a question you should keep thinking about as we dig deeper into algebra.

Different words for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Here is a table that summarizes common words for each operation:

Operation	Words	Example algebraic expression
Addition	plus, sum, more than, increased by	$x + 3$
Subtraction	subtracted, minus, difference, less than, decreased by	$p - 6$
Multiplication	times, product	$8k$
Division	divided, quotient	$a \div 9$

For example, the word "product" tells us to use multiplication. So, the phrase

"the product of $8$ and $k$ "

can be written as

$8k$ .

Let's take a look at a trickier example

Write an expression for " $m$ decreased by $7$ ".

Notice that the phrase "decreased by" tells us to use subtraction.

So the expression is

m - 7

Writing algebraic expressions introduction

Writing expressions

Why do we have math if we can describe things in words?

Different words for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Let's take a look at a trickier example

Let's try some practice problems!

Basic expressions

More complicated expressions

Word problems

Writing algebraic expressions introduction