Write variable expressions
One of the major skills required in applied mathematics is the ability to translate a verbal expression into a variable expression. This requires recognizing the verbal phrases that translate into mathematical operations.
Here is a partial list of the phrases used to indicate the different mathematical operations.
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Addition
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added to
more than
the sum of
increased by
the total of
plus
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4 added to x
3 more than y
the sum of x and y
m increased by 5
the total of 5 and a
h plus 6
|
x+4
y+3
x+y
m+5
a+5
h+6
|
|
Subtraction
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minus
less than
less
subtracted from
decreased by
the difference between
|
a minus 3
4 less than z
4 less z
3 subtracted from x
x decreaded by 2
the difference between y and 2
|
a-3
z-4
4-z
x-3
x-2
y-2
|
|
Multiplication
|
times
the product of
multiplied by
twice
of
|
7 times x
the product of a and b
m multiplied by 5
twice x
one half of y
|
7x
ab
5m
2x
|
|
Division
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divided by
the quotient of
the ratio of
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a divided by 5
the quotient of a and b
the ratio of x and 6
|
|
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Power
|
the square of
the cube of
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the square of m
the cube of x
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m2
x3
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Translate into a variable expresion:
A. the total of four times a and b
B. the quotient of seven less than x and 9
C. five more than the sum of six and the square of x
Solution:
A. 4(a+b) B. C. (6+x2)+5
