Algebraic expression
An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that
can contain ordinary numbers, variables (like x or y) and operators
(like add,subtract,multiply, and divide).
Here are some algebraic expressions:
In the above expression the "/" means divide. The "3x" means multiply the
variable x by 3.
Many english phrases translate directly into algebraic expressions, as
shown in the following table (where x stands for "a number"):
English expression |
Algebraic expression |
A number plus eight |
x + 8 |
four less than a number |
x - 4 |
half of a number |
x / 2 |
If you set an algebraic expression equal to something, with an equal sign, you
now have an equation, like:
X - 4 = 10
To learn more about expressions, see the
notes on variables, operators and expressions
So, here are a couple of problems for you (use x as your number):
- The expression for "3 times 8 less than a number" = ________________ <== (this needs parentheses)
- The expression for "8 divided by 3 times a number" = __________
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