Variables and Algebraic Expressions
A variable is a symbol used to denote any element of a given set—often a letter used to stand for a number. Variables are used to change verbal expressions into algebraic expressions.
Example 1
Give the algebraic expression.
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Verbal Expression
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Algebraic Expression
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The sum of a number n and 7
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n + 7 or 7 + n
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The number n diminished by 10
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n – 10
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Seven times the number n
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7 n
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x divided by 4
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Five more than the product of 2 and n
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2 n + 5 or 5 + 2 n
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Seven less than the quotient of y and 4
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Key words denoting addition:
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sum
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larger than
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enlarge
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plus
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gain
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rise
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more than
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increase
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grow
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greater than
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|
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-
Key words denoting subtraction:
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difference
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smaller than
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lower
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minus
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fewer than
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diminish
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lose
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decrease
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reduced
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less than
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drop
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-
Key words denoting multiplication:
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product
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times
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of
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multiplied by
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twice
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-
Key words denoting division:
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quotient
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ratio
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divided by
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half
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