1•1 ariables and
V
1•1
Expressions
VARIABLES AND EXPRESSIONS
Write Verbal Expressions
An algebraic expression consists of one or more numbers
and variables along with one or more arithmetic operations. In
algebra, variables are symbols used to represent unspecified
numbers or values. Any letter may be used as a variable.
EXAMPLE Write Verbal Expressions
Write a verbal expression for each algebraic expression.
a. 6n2
the product of 6 and n squared
b. n3 - 12m
the difference of n cubed and twelve times m
Write Algebraic Expressions
Translating verbal expressions into algebraic expressions is an
important algebraic skill.
EXAMPLE Write Algebraic Expressions
Write an algebraic expression for each verbal
expression.
a. four more than a number n
The words more than imply addition.
four more than a number n: 4 + n
The algebraic expression is 4 + n.
b. the difference of a number squared and 8
The expression difference of implies subtraction. Use n to
represent the number.
the difference of a number squared and 8: n2 - 8
The algebraic expression is n2 - 8.
28 HotTopic 1
THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, REPRODUCED, OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTED.
1•1 Exercises
Write a verbal expression for each algebraic expression.
2. _
1
1. w - 1 3 a3
3. 81 + 2x 4. 12d
5. 84 6. 62
7. 2n2 + 4 8. a3 ․ b3
10. _
6k3
9. 2x3 - 3 5
11. _
1
4
b2 12. 7n5
14. _
2
13. 3x + 4 3 k
5
15. 3b2 + 2a3 16. 4(n2 + 1)
Write an algebraic expression for each verbal
expression.
17. a number decreased by 8 18. a number divided by 8
19. a number squared 20. four times a number
21. a number divided by 6 22. a number multiplied by 37
23. the sum of 9 and a number 24. 3 less than 5 times a number
25. twice the sum of 15 and 26. one-half the square of b
a number
27. 7 more than the product 28. 30 increased by 3 times
the of 6 and a number square of a number
Variables and Expressions 29
THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, REPRODUCED, OR FURTHER DISTRIBUTED.
