Writing Expressions

Learn writing expressions, subtraction in words.

Lesson 1 of 32 parts Practice Flashcards

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Writing Expressions

Objective: Explain writing expressions, apply the stated method, and check its conditions.

A variable stands for an unspecified quantity. Translate operations in their stated order; “a times x plus b” is ax+b, while “a times the sum” requires a(x+b). An expression has a value but is not an equation until equality is asserted. An expression does not assert an equality by itself.

Formulas

$a times x plus b → ax+b$

Worked examples

Try itWhich value represents 6 times a number 7, plus 7?Show answer

Step 1: Translate the words as 6x+7. Step 2: Use x=7. Step 3: The value is 49.

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Writing Expressions

Objective: Explain writing expressions, apply the stated method, and check its conditions.

Formulas

$a times x plus b → ax+b$

Worked examples

Try itWhich value represents 6 times a number 7, plus 7?Show answer

Step 1: Translate the words as 6x+7. Step 2: Use x=7. Step 3: The value is 49.

Subtraction in Words

Objective: Explain subtraction in words, apply the stated method, and check its conditions.

“b less than a quantity” means subtract b from that quantity, not reverse the operands. Subtraction is not commutative. Translate the verbal relationship before substituting values so the written order reflects the intended comparison. Subtraction order changes the result.

Formulas

b less than ax → ax−b

Worked examples

Try itFind the value of 7 less than 6 times 7.Show answer

Step 1: “7 less than” means subtract 7 from what follows. Step 2: Compute 6·7−7. Step 3: The value is 35.

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