Online Algebra Tutoring: Variable Expressions

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Learn Variable Expressions from Certified Online Algebra Tutor

A variable is a symbol or an alphabetical letter used to represent an unknown number in an expression or an equation. The value of this number can vary. A variable expression is a math expression that consists of variables, numbers and operations (like add,subtract, multiply, and divide)

To translate verbal phrases into variable expressions. Look for key words that indicate addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.

Key Words:

Addition: plus, the sum of, increased by, total, more than, added to.
Subtraction: minus, the difference of, decreased by, fewer than, less than, subtracted from.
Multiplication: times, the product of, multiplied by, of.
Division: divided by, the quotient of.

Let’s understand with an example

The product of  two and a number increased by nineteen.

The product of two and a number increased by nineteen. (LOOK FOR KEYWORDS)

Product of indicates multiplication
Increased by indicates addition

To write variable expression, assign a variable to represent the unknown number. You can take any alphabetical letter of your choice!

The product of two and a number increased by nineteen.

Check Point

Directions: Choose the algebraic expression that correctly represents the phrase provided. Select your answer.

1. Twenty less than twice a number

1. 20 – 2x
2. 2x+20
3. 2x – 20
4. None of the above

2. Three times a number increased by sixteen

1. 3(a + 16)
2. 3a + 16
3. (16 + 3)a
4. None of the above.

3. The product of eight and a number decreased by five.

1. 8(m – 5)
2. 5(8 – m)
3. 8m – 5
4. None of the above

4.  Sixty divided by nine times a number

1. 60 + 9n
2. 9n/60
3. 60/9n
4. None of the above

5. Sarah earns $10 a day working part time at a supermarket. Write a variable expression to represent the amount of money she will earn in p days.

1. 10p
2. 10/p
3. 10 + p
4. None of the above

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