1. Translating English Phrases into Algebraic Expressions
Section 2.5
Translating English Phrases into Algebraic Expressions

2. Translating Phrases into Expressions
English Phrase Represented by
greater than
increased by
more than
added to
sum of
less than
decreased by
smaller than
fewer than
shorter than
difference of + 

3. Translating Phrases into Expressions
English Phrase Represented by
multiplied by of
product of
times
divided by
ratio of
quotient of  

4. Translating Phrases into Expressions
English Phrase Represented by is
was
has
costs
equals
represents
amount to =

5. Example
Write each English phrase as an algebraic expression. a. Twelve more than a number 12 + x b. Eight less than a number x – 8 b. Six less than one-third of the sum of a number and four

6. Example
An expression may be written for several quantities using the same variable. “The necklace costs $45 more than the bracelet.” Let b = the cost of the bracelet. Let b + 45 = the cost of the necklace.

7. Example
Use the letter A to write an algebraic expression for each quantity. During the summer, Nancy read twice as many books as Andy. Marty read five more books than Andy. Let A = the number of books Andy read. Let 2A = the number of books Nancy read. Let 5 + A = the number of books Marty read.

8. Example
Write an algebraic expression for each quantity. The first angle of a triangle is 20 degrees more than the third angle. The second angle is double the third angle. Let x = the third angle. Let x + 20 = the first angle. Let 2x = the second angle.
x + 20 2x x