Translating Algebraic Expressions

This video tutorial teaches how to translate verbal phrases into algebraic expressions. It covers key concepts like the 'less than' and 'more than' switch, using inequality symbols, and identifying key words for mathematical operations. The tutorial provides examples to illustrate these concepts, ensuring a clear understanding of how to convert verbal phrases into algebraic expressions.

What is the first step in solving word problems in algebra?

• Calculating the answer directly

• Ignoring the variables

• Translating verbal phrases into symbols

• Memorizing formulas

What is the key concept to understand when translating verbal phrases into algebraic expressions?

• The distributive property

• The order of operations

• The commutative property

• The key words and their meanings

What does the phrase '3 less than x' translate to in algebraic terms?

• 3 + x

• x + 3

• x - 3

• 3 - x

Why is it necessary to switch the order in '3 less than x'?

• To make it easier to solve

• Because subtraction is commutative

• Because subtraction is not commutative

• To maintain consistency with addition

Why is it important to switch the order in '3 more than x'?

• Because addition is not commutative

• To maintain consistency with subtraction

• To avoid confusion

• To make it easier to solve

How would you write '8 less than x' in algebraic form?

• 8 + x

• x + 8

• 8 - x

• x - 8

What does 'x more than 4' translate to?

• x + 4

• x - 4

• 4 - x

• 4 + x

What does 'x less than 4' translate to?

• 4 + x

• x + 4

• x - 4

• 4 - x

When should you not switch the order in phrases like 'x is less than 2'?

• When the phrase includes 'is'

• When the phrase includes 'more than'

• When the phrase includes 'less than'

• When the phrase includes 'equal to'

How is 'x is greater than 5' written in algebraic terms?

• x ≤ 5

• x = 5

• x > 5

• x < 5