Writing Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. It does not have an equality sign.

Front

What does the variable 'x' typically represent in algebraic expressions?

Back

In algebraic expressions, 'x' often represents an unknown value or quantity that we are trying to solve for.

Front

How do you translate the phrase 'cost per item' into an algebraic expression?

Back

If 'c' is the cost per item and 'x' is the number of items, the expression is 'cx'.

Front

What is the expression for the total cost if there is a fixed fee and a variable cost per item?

Back

The expression is 'fixed fee + (variable cost per item * number of items)'. For example, if the fixed fee is $40 and the cost per item is $10, it would be '40 + 10x'.

Front

If a person is 'n' years older than another person, how would you express their age?

Back

If the younger person's age is 'x', then the older person's age can be expressed as 'x + n'.

Front

What does the expression '3x + 2' represent in a word problem context?

Back

It represents a situation where something costs $2 in addition to $3 for each item, where 'x' is the number of items.

Front

How do you write an expression for the total contributions of 'm' friends if each contributes the same amount?

Back

The expression is 'm * number of friends'. For example, if there are 5 friends, it would be '5m'.

Front

What is the first step in translating a word problem into an algebraic expression?

Back

Identify the quantities involved and assign variables to unknowns.

Front

How do you express a situation where a total amount is divided among several people?

Back

If 'T' is the total amount and 'n' is the number of people, the expression is 'T/n'.

Front

What is the expression for the total cost of 'x' items if each item costs 'p'?

Back

The expression is 'px'.