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Writing Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems - Printable Math Worksheets year 7 - Wayground

Writing Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems

Mike McNulty

Created by Mike McNulty

20 questions

6th - 7th Grade

Math

Updated Oct 2026

Writing Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems is a free printable mathematics worksheet for students in Grades 6–7. It contains 20 questions—17 multiple-choice, 2 multiple-select, and 1 fill-in-the-blank item—that ask students to translate verbal phrases and everyday situations into algebraic expressions. Contexts include prices, ages, savings, quantities, and rates. Students also identify constants, terms, and the number of terms in expressions such as 3x + 5 and 2m + 3n − 7. The worksheet strengthens students’ ability to interpret operation language, choose variables, and represent unknown quantities symbolically rather than calculating a numerical answer. It works well for guided practice, independent review, or a quick check of Grade 6–7 expression-writing skills, and includes a complete answer key for efficient checking.

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Writing Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems

Total questions: 20

Name
Class
Date
1.

If chocolate chip cookies cost $3.00 per cookie plus $2 for boxing them up in a decorated box, what would the expression be?

a)

3 + 2x

b)

3x + 2

c)

3x + 2x

d)

5x

2.

Six decreased by twice a number.

a)

2x - 6

b)

6 < 2x

c)

6 - x

d)

6 - 2x

3.
Translate this phrase into an algebraic expression.
8 less than the product of 4 and a number
Use the variable m to represent the unknown number.
a)
4m + 8
b)
8m - 4
c)
8m + 4
d)
4m - 8
4.

What word phrase can you use to represent "5x + 2"?

a)

5 times a number plus 2

b)

2 more than the product of 5 and a number

c)

a number times the sum of 5 and 2

d)

the sum of 5 times a number and 2

5.
Nate has 6 fewer CDs than Emily.  If c represents the number of CDs Emily has, which expression tells how many CDs Nate has?
a)
6-c
b)
6+c
c)
c-6
d)
c+6
6.
Students brought in 300 canned goods for the food drive on Monday. On Tuesday students brought in x more than the day before. Write an expression for how many canned goods students brought on Tuesday.
a)
300 + x
b)
300 - x
c)
300x
d)
x - 300
7.
Matthew is 3 times older than Brian. If x represents Brian’s age, which expression represents the combined age of Matthew and Brian?
a)
3x
b)
3x + x
c)
x + 3
d)
x + x + 3
8.

For a walk-a-thon a sponsor committed to give you a flat fee of $5 plus $2 for every mile m you walk. Write an expression for the total amount you will collect from your sponsor at the end of the walk-athon.

a)

5+2

b)

5+2m

c)

5m+2

d)

5-2m

e)

2m-5

9.

You and four friends plan a surprise party. Each of you contributes the same amount of money m for food. Write an algebraic expression for the total amount of money contributed for food.

a)

m+4

b)

4m

c)

m/4

d)

m-4

e)

4-m

10.

Identify the constant of the algebraic expression:

3x + 5

a)

3

b)

x

c)

5

d)

3x and 5

11.
What are the terms in the expression?
4 + 16v
a)
4, 16v
b)
4
c)
v
d)
+16
12.

How many terms are there in this expression below?

2m + 3n - 7

a)

3

b)

5

c)

2

d)

1

13.
Kendra’s math teacher assigned math homework, but Kendra decided to do 5 extra problems. Which algebraic expression shows how many problems Kendra completed? 
a)
5x
b)
x-5
c)
x+5
d)
x5
14.

Rhonda was organizing photos in a photo album. She took 60 photos and divided them evenly among p pages. Which algebraic expression represents the number of photos on each page? What are the important parts of this problem that can help you write an algebraic expression?

a)

60 photos

b)

This is an algebra problem

c)

The phrase, "divided them evenly" lets me know which operation to use.

d)

Her name is Rhonda

e)

p stands for the pages

15.

Kelly has some money she has already saved. After mowing two lawns on Saturday, she adds $40 to her savings. How much money has Kelly saved altogether? Let s represent the amount of money she already has in savings.

a)

s + 40

b)

40s

c)

40 - s

d)

40/s

16.

Tyrell has a sister that is y years younger than him. If Tyrell is 12 years old, how old is his sister? Which algebraic expression could be used to find the age of Tyrell's sister?

a)

y - 12

b)

12 / y

c)

12 + y

d)

12 - y

17.

Ty signed up for a gym membership. There is a one-time fee of $40 and a cost of $10 per month. Write an algebraic expression for the cost for "m" months.

(a)  

18.
Pizzazz Publications is having some books printed. The printer charges $800 plus $5 per book. What equation could help me find how many books can be printed for $4,000?
a)
800 + 5x = 4000
b)
800x + 5 = 4000
c)
4000 + 5x= 800
d)
800 + 5 = 4000
19.
Mr. Piper's plumbing needed repairs. The plumber charged $98 for parts plus $45 per hour for labor. If the bill totaled $458, how could I find out the hours of labored required?
a)
98x + 45 = 458
b)
98 + 45x = 458
c)
45 + 98 = 458
d)
45x - 98 = 458
20.
Half of your baseball card collection got wet and was ruined.  Bought 11 cards to replace some that were lost.  How many did you begin with if you now have 31?
a)
40
b)
51
c)
73
d)
62
WaygroundAnswer Key

Writing Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems

Total questions: 20

1.
b)

3x + 2

2.
d)

6 - 2x

3.
d) 4m - 8
4.
d)

the sum of 5 times a number and 2

, a)

5 times a number plus 2

, b)

2 more than the product of 5 and a number

5.
c) c-6
6.
a) 300 + x
7.
b) 3x + x
8.
b)

5+2m

9.
c)

m/4

10.
c)

5

11.
a) 4, 16v
12.
a)

3

13.
c) x+5
14.
a)

60 photos

, c)

The phrase, "divided them evenly" lets me know which operation to use.

, e)

p stands for the pages

15.
a)

s + 40

16.
d)

12 - y

17.
40+10m, 10m+40
18.
a) 800 + 5x = 4000
19.
b) 98 + 45x = 458
20.
a) 40

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FAQs

What does the Writing Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems worksheet cover?

This 20-question worksheet helps Grades 6–7 students translate verbal phrases and real-world situations into algebraic expressions, then identify constants, terms, and the number of terms. Its 17 multiple-choice, 2 multiple-select, and 1 fill-in-the-blank items require students to interpret words such as “decreased by,” “more than,” “per,” and “divided evenly” and connect them to mathematical operations.

How can I use this worksheet to teach writing algebraic expressions from word problems?

Begin by modeling how to underline the unknown quantity, identify operation clues, and assign a variable before writing an expression. Work through one context-based item together, such as a flat fee plus a per-mile charge, and ask students to explain why the constant and variable term have different roles. Then use the multiple-select items to discuss why more than one verbal phrase can represent the same expression.

What mistakes should I watch for when students complete this algebraic expressions worksheet?

Watch for students reversing phrases such as “6 fewer than” or “8 less than,” treating “more than” as subtraction, or placing a variable on a fixed amount. Students may also confuse a coefficient with a constant, count parts of a term as separate terms, or select only one valid description in a multiple-select question. In the item about dividing photos evenly, check that they use the wording and variable information rather than irrelevant details from the scenario.

How do I assign and grade this worksheet?

On Wayground, assign Writing Algebraic Expressions from Word Problems as a printable PDF or as a digital quiz. The worksheet includes a complete answer key, and printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable format can also support schools that are reducing screen time.

How can I differentiate this worksheet for my students?

Use the worksheet’s Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing and font size so the word-problem prompts and algebraic expressions are easier to scan. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language, which may help students interpret operation words and multiple-choice directions.

Where can I find more worksheets like this on Wayground?

Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across all subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to help students master essential skills and concepts. Browse more worksheets at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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