Describe Common Phrases to Represent Math Operations?
The table below shows the common phrases used in word problems to represent addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
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+
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-
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*
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/
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plus more than sum increased by total
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minus less than difference subtract decreased by
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times product multiplied
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divided quotient
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plus more than sum increased by total minus less than difference subtract decreased by times product multiplied divided quotient
The following examples show common operations translated into algebraic expressions:
a. 8 dollars more than the cost of a tape: 8+t
b. 3 times faster than Fred's car: 3f
c. 2 inches less than Gail's height: g-2
The following examples show the above expressions as equations:
a. A CD costs 8 dollars more than a tape: c=8+t
b. Heather's car is 3 times faster than Fred's car: h =3f
c. Isabel's height is 2 inches less than Gail's height: i= g-2
The word "is" gives you a clue that a sentence translates into an equation. In other words, "is" represents the equal sign (=).