Translating Words To Equations - Interactive Applet

Practice turning English statements into linear equations, then solve and export a PDF report of your work. Includes a study guide summarizing the chapter keywords and steps.

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    Study Guide - Translating English Sentences into Equations

    Steps to Solving Applied Problems

    1. Read the problem carefully (more than once). Identify what is asked.
    2. Choose a variable for the unknown.
    3. Translate the words into an equation using your variable.
    4. Solve the equation.
    5. Check & interpret the answer in context.

    Key Words & Phrases

    Common signal words used when translating sentences into equations
    Addition
    • sum
    • increased by
    • more than
    • plus
    • total
    • combined
    • added to
    • in all
    Subtraction
    • difference
    • decreased by
    • less than (reverses order -k less than x is x - k)
    • minus
    • fewer than
    • reduced by
    • take away
    Multiplication
    • product
    • times
    • of
    • factor of
    • doubled
    • tripled
    Division
    • quotient
    • divided by
    • ratio of
    • per
    equals
    • is/are
    • was/were
    • will be
    • gives
    • yields

    Algebra Basics Summary

    • Combine like terms; use Distributive Property when needed.
    • Addition/Multiplication Properties of Equality justify balance moves.
    • Always check solutions by substitution.