Translating a Phrase Into a One-Step Expression

Definition

A mathematical phrase is a set of words or a combination of words and numbers that can be written as a mathematical expression.

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can contain ordinary numbers, variables (like x or y) and operators (like add, subtract, multiply, and divide). Here are some algebraic expressions: a + 1. a - b. 3x

Problem 1

Write a one-step expression to translate the phrase the quotient of a and 8

Solution

Step 1:

The word quotient implies the division operation

So we understand that there is division operation involving a and 8.

Step 2:

So we write a one-step expression translating given phrase as follows a 8 or a/8

Problem 2

Write a one-step expression to translate the phrase the difference of 11 and x

Solution

Step 1:

The word difference implies the subtraction operation.

So we understand that there is subtraction operation involving 11 and x and the order of 11 and x is important.

Step 2:

So the one-step expression translating given phrase is 11 x.