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Understanding Algebra Word

Problems
*Represent a given situation using algebraic
expressions or equations in one variable.
*Simplify and evaluate algebraic
expressions.
The biggest challenge to solving word problems is
figuring out whether to add, subtract, multiply or
divide.

Words Meaning Words Meaning Words Meaning Words Meaning


Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division

and decreased double divide into


increased difference half ( ) half ( 2)
more less product divide by
more than less than times divide among
plus left triple quotient
sum lower than twice
total minus
To solve a word problem, you must first interpret
the action you need to perform and then choose
the correct operation for that action.

Action Operation Possible Question Clues

Combine Add How many all together?

Combine equal groups Multiply How many all together?

Separate Subtract How many more? How many less?

Separate into equal groups Divide How many equal groups?


Word Phrases Expression
a number plus 5
add 5 to a number
+ sum of a number and 5
5 more than a number
n+5

a number increased by 5
a number minus 11
subtract 11 from a number
difference of a number and 11
11 less than a number
x 11

a number decreased by 11
3 times a number
3 multiplied by a number
product of 3 and a number
3m

a number divided by 7 a

7 divided into a number or a 7


7
quotient of a number and 7
TEST YOUR SKILL!!

Match the phrase with the


correct algebraic expression.
1) 2 more than y
1. y - 2
2. 2y
3. y + 2
4. /2
y
2) 16 divided into m
1. 16 - m
2. 16m
3. m + 16
4. m /16
3) 2 less than s
1. s - 2
2. 2s
3. s + 2
4. /2
s
4) Triple Johns age j
1. 3 + j
2. j - 3
3. 3j
4. j 3
5) Twice the sum of y and 15
1. 2y + 15
2. 2 + y + 15
3. 2 (y + 15)
4. 2(15) + y
6) n feet lower than than 10
1. 10 - n

2. n - 10

3. n + 10

4. 10 + n
7) The quotient t and 4

1. 4 goes into t
2. t goes into 4
3. Multiply 4 by t
4. Add 4 and t
8) 18 divided by a number, g
1. 18 - g
2. 18 g
3. g + 18
4. 18 g
ABC 2.4
Setting Up Algebra Word
Problems
To set up algebra word problems:

1. To complete an algebra problem, an equal


sign must be added.
2. The words is or are as well as equals tell you
that you should add an equal sign.

Double Jakes age, x, minus 4 is 22.

2x - 4 = 22
Translate the word problem into an
equation. DO NOT find the solution yet.
1. Triple the original number, n, is 2,700.
3n = 2700
2. The product of a number, y, and 5 is equal to
15.
5y = 15
3. Four times the difference of a number, x, and 2
is 20.
4(x 2) = 20

4. The total, t, divided into 5 groups is 45.


t 5 = 45
Translate the word problem into an
equation. DO NOT find the solution yet.
1. The number of pants in the store, p, minus 54
pants sold today is 320. p 54 = 320

2. One-half an amount, x, added to $50 is $262.


x/2 + 50 = 262
3. One hundred plants, divided by 5 rows, equals
n number of plants per row. 100 5 = n

4. A number, y, less than 50 is 82. y - 50 = 82


Translate the word problem into an
equation. DO NOT find the solution yet.
1. Seventeen more than half a number, h, is 35.
h/2 + 17 = 35
2. The quotient of a number, w, and 4 is 32.
w 4 = 32
3. Six less a number, d, is 12.
d 6 = 12
4. Four times the sum of a number, y, and 10 is
48.
4(y + 10) = 48

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