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 M011 and M113 Algebra Lingo

Variables and Algebraic Expressions

A variable is a symbol used to denote any element of a given set -- often a letter used to stand for a number. Variables are used to change verbal expressions into algebraic expressions.

Given the Verbal Expression below

(a) the sum of a number and 7

(b) the number diminished by 10

(c) seven times the number

(d) x divided by 4

(e) five more than the product of 2 and n


Try the Online Algebra Textbook, "Understanding Algebra" for a good table of "Words for Operations" like the below terms.

write in Algebraic Expression

n + 7 or 7 + n

n - 10

7 n

x/4

2 n + 5 or 5 + 2 n

 

 

 
Key Words denoting addition:

sum          larger than  enlarge
plus         gain         rise
more than    increase     grow
greater than
         

 
Key Words denoting subtraction:

difference  smaller than  lower
minus       fewer than    diminish
lose        decrease      reduced
less than   drop

 
Key Words denoting multiplication:

product        times  of
multiplied by  twice

 
Key Words denoting division:

quotient     ratio
divided by   half

 

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Created August 27, 2000 and updated on October 24, 20000 by Rich Wersinger