Translating Words into Math (1-7)

Translating Words into Math (Algebraic Expressions)
Vocabulary:
 Variable: A letter represents a number.
 Constant: A number that cannot be changed.
 Algebraic Expression: Consists of 1 or more variables, usually contains constants and operations.
 Evaluate: Substitute a number for the variable in an Algebraic Expression.

Addition	increased by more than combined, together total of sum, plus added to
Subtraction	decreased by minus, less difference between/of less than, fewer than
Multiplication	of times, multiplied by product of increased/decreased by a   factor of (this type can   involve both addition or   subtraction and   multiplication!)
Division	per, a out of ratio of, quotient of percent (divide by 100)
Equals	is, are, was, were, will be gives, yields sold for

 
 To really learn "how to do" word problems, you will need to practice, practice, practice.

The 1st step to effectively translating and solving word problems is to read the problem entirely. Don't start trying to solve anything when you've only read half a sentence. Try first to get a feel for the whole problem; try first to see what information you have, and what you still need.

The 2nd step is to work in an organized manner. Figure out what you need but don't have, and name things. Pick variables to stand for the unknows, clearly labeling these variables with what they stand for. Draw and label pictures neatly. Explain your reasoning as you go along. And make sure you know just exactly what the problem is actually asking for. You need to do this for two reasons:

1. Working clearly will help you think clearly, and
2. figuring out what you need will help you translate your final answer back into English.

Regarding (2) above: It can be really frustrating (and embarrassing) to spend fifteen minutes solving a word problem on a test, only to realize at the end that you no longer have any idea what "x" stands for, so you have to do the whole problem over again.

The 3rd step is to look for "key" words. Certain words indicate certain mathematical operations. 

Video Help

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/introduction-to-algebra/writing-expressions-tutorial/v/writing-expressions-2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6jeSuHYhyY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m72bUX3bi_c