Write the Algebraic Expression (Add/Sub)
Accuracy: 100%
Streak: 0
Writing Algebraic Equations
Translate word problems into mathematical equations using variables.
Student Tips:
- Choose a letter for the unknown (usually x)
- Look for key words: “more than” (+), “less than” (-), “times” (×), “divided by” (÷)
- “A number plus 5 equals 12” becomes x + 5 = 12
- “Three times a number is 15” becomes 3x = 15
- Write what you know = what you’re looking for
Teaching Instruction: Start with simple phrases and build complexity. Create a word bank of math phrases and their symbols. Practice translating both ways (words to math and math to words). Use real-world problems students can relate to (money, age, sports statistics).
Skills Practiced
- Turning phrases like “the difference of x and nineteen” into expressions such as x – 19
- Matching key words (sum, difference, more than, less than) to addition and subtraction
- Keeping the order of subtraction correct when writing x – n or n – x
- Typing algebraic expressions with a variable
