Algebraic Translations Worksheets

What Are Algebraic Translations? Before learning to do algebraic translations, we need to learn what algebraic expressions are. Unlike a standard equation, algebraic expressions don't have an equal sign. The skill for translating between algebraic expressions and verbal statements requires a keen understanding of words commonly used for representing mathematical operations. In verbal statements, you always need to look for the commas as they will be helping you in terms of how items are correctly grouped together within your algebraic expressions. For example: If you have a statement that says, "5 times, a number is increased by 6". This statement is translated to 5(n+6) and is not 5n + 6. You also need to remember that variables can be represented in the form of symbols or letters unless they have been directed otherwise. Here are a few examples:

Verbal Statements Algebraic Expressions
A rectangle's width which is almost seven less from its length. L - 7
X yards in a number of feet 3x
Product of 4 decreased by 7 4 (n – 7)
Three times a number increased by 9 3n + 9
Eight less than twice a number 2n – 8
Five increased by four times a number 5 + 4n
Factor of 3 times n . n . n = n3

  • Basic Lesson

    Demonstrates how to pull algebraic equations out of a word problem. Practice problems are provided. Example: The sum of two consecutive numbers is 7. What are they?

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  • Intermediate Lesson

    Explains how to reorder word problems to interpret word equations. Practice problems are provided.

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  • Independent Practice 1

    Contains 20 Algebraic Translations problems. The answers can be found below. Example: John if y years old, write an algebraic expression for the following: The present age of John's cousin if his cousin is 4 years more than one-fourth John's age 2 years ago.

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  • Independent Practice 2

    Features another 20 Algebraic Translations problems. Example: A class of 50 students is divided into three groups; first group has 4 less than the second and numbers of students in second and third group are equal; how many are in each group?

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  • Homework Worksheet

    12 Algebraic Translations problems for students to work on at home. Example problems are provided and explained. A recipe calls for 1/3 cup of milk. Write an equation to determine the number of cups, c, of milk needed to make the recipe 9 times.

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  • Topic Quiz

    Example problem: The ages of two brothers are in the ratio 3:4, but after eight years the ratio of their ages will be 7:8. Find their present age. A math scoring matrix is included.

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  • Homework and Quiz Answer Key

    Answers for the homework and quiz.

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  • Lesson and Practice Answer Key

    Answers for both lessons and both practice sheets.

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Sal's Friend

Sal goes to her friend's store & says, "Give me as much money as I have & I will spend $10." She goes to 2 more stores, says the same thing and ends up with no money. How much did she start with?
$8.75. x = amount she started with, 3rd store, 8x - 70 = 0, x = 70/8