understanding algebra word problems *represent a given situation using algebraic expressions or...

Understanding Algebra Word Problems

*Represent a given situation using algebraic expressions or equations in one variable.

*Simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.

The biggest challenge to solving word problems is figuring out whether to add, subtract, multiply or divide.

Words Meaning Addition

andincreasedmoremore thanplussumtotal

Words Meaning Subtraction

decreaseddifferencelessless thanleftlower thanminus

Words Meaning Multiplication

doublehalf (× ½)producttimestripletwice

Words Meaning Division

divide intohalf (÷ 2)divide bydivide among quotient

To solve a word problem, you must first interpret the action you need to perform and then choose the correct operation for that action.

Separate into equal groups

Multiply

How many more? How many less?

Combine

Combine equal groups

Separate

Add

Subtract

Divide

Action Operation Possible Question Clues

How many all together?

How many all together?

How many equal groups?

• a number plus 5• add 5 to a number• sum of a number and 5• 5 more than a number• a number increased by 5

• a number minus 11• subtract 11 from a number• difference of a number and 11• 11 less than a number

• a number decreased by 11

• 3 times a number• 3 multiplied by a number• product of 3 and a number

• a number divided by 7• 7 divided into a number• quotient of a number and 7

++

––

Word Phrases Expression

n + 5

x 11

3m

or a 7a

7

TEST YOUR SKILL!!TEST YOUR SKILL!!

Match the phrase with the Match the phrase with the correct algebraic expression.correct algebraic expression.

1) 2 more than y

1. y - 2

2. 2y

3. y + 2

4. y/2

2) 16 divided into m

1. 16 - m

2. 16m

3. m + 16

4. m/16

3) 2 less than s

1. s - 2

2. 2s

3. s + 2

4. s/2

4) Triple John’s age j

1. 3 + j

2. j - 3

3. 3j

4. j ÷ 3

5) Twice the sum of y and 15

1. 2y + 15

2. 2 + y + 15

3. 2 (y + 15)

4. 2(15) + y

6) n feet lower than than 101. 10 - n

2. n - 10

3. n + 10

4. 10 + n

7) The quotient t and 4

1. 4 goes into t

2. t goes into 4

3. Multiply 4 by t

4. Add 4 and t

8) 18 divided by a number, g

1. 18 - g

2. 18 ÷ g

3. g + 18

4. 18 × g

ABC 2.4Setting Up Algebra Word

Problems

To set up algebra word problems:To set up algebra word problems:

1. To complete an algebra problem, an equal sign must be added.

2. The words is or are as well as equals tell you that you should add an equal sign.

Double Jake’s age, x, minus 4 is 22.

2x - 4 = 22

Translate the word problem into an Translate the word problem into an equation. DO NOT find the solution yet.equation. DO NOT find the solution yet.

1. Triple the original number, n, is 2,700.

2. The product of a number, y, and 5 is equal to 15.

3. Four times the difference of a number, x, and 2 is 20.

4. The total, t, divided into 5 groups is 45.

3n = 2700

5y = 15

4(x – 2) = 20

t ÷ 5 = 45


1. The number of pants in the store, p, minus 54 pants sold today is 320.

2. One-half an amount, x, added to $50 is $262.

3. One hundred plants, divided by 5 rows, equals n number of plants per row.

4. A number, y, less than 50 is 82.

p – 54 = 320

x/2 + 50 = 262

100 ÷ 5 = n

y - 50 = 82


1. Seventeen more than half a number, h, is 35.

2. The quotient of a number, w, and 4 is 32.

3. Six less a number, d, is 12.

4. Four times the sum of a number, y, and 10 is 48.

h/2 + 17 = 35

w ÷ 4 = 32

d – 6 = 12

4(y + 10) = 48

understanding algebra word problems *represent a given situation using algebraic expressions or...

Documents