We've updated our
Privacy Policy effective December 15. Please read our updated Privacy Policy and tap

TEXT
Unlock Solution Steps
Sign in to
Symbolab
Get full access to all Solution Steps for any math problem
By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Use
and have read our Privacy Policy

Study Guides > Prealgebra

Translating Words Into an Algebraic Equation and Solving

Learning Outcomes

  • Translate statements into algebraic equations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Translate Word Phrases to Algebraic Equations

Remember, an equation has an equal sign between two algebraic expressions. So if we have a sentence that tells us that two phrases are equal, we can translate it into an equation. We look for clue words that mean equals. Some words that translate to the equal sign are:
  • is equal to
  • is the same as
  • is
  • gives
  • was
  • will be
It may be helpful to put a box around the equals word(s) in the sentence to help you focus separately on each phrase. Then translate each phrase into an expression, and write them on each side of the equal sign. We will practice translating word sentences into algebraic equations. Some of the sentences will be basic number facts with no variables to solve for. Some sentences will translate into equations with variables. The focus right now is just to translate the words into algebra.

example

Translate the sentence into an algebraic equation: The sum of [latex]6[/latex] and [latex]9[/latex] is [latex]15[/latex]. Solution The word is tells us the equal sign goes between 9 and 15.
Locate the "equals" word(s). .
Write the = sign.
Translate the words to the left of the equals word into an algebraic expression. .
Translate the words to the right of the equals word into an algebraic expression. .
 

try it

[ohm_question]146545[/ohm_question]
 

example

Translate the sentence into an algebraic equation: The product of [latex]8[/latex] and [latex]7[/latex] is [latex]56[/latex].

Answer: Solution The location of the word is tells us that the equal sign goes between 7 and 56.

Locate the "equals" word(s). .
Write the = sign.
Translate the words to the left of the equals word into an algebraic expression. .
Translate the words to the right of the equals word into an algebraic expression. .

 

try it

[ohm_question]146546[/ohm_question]  
 

example

Translate the sentence into an algebraic equation: Twice the difference of [latex]x[/latex] and [latex]3[/latex] gives [latex]18[/latex].

Answer: Solution

Locate the "equals" word(s). .
Recognize the key words: twice; difference of …. and …. Twice means two times.
Translate. .

 

try it

[ohm_question]146549[/ohm_question] [ohm_question]146550[/ohm_question]

Translate to an Equation and Solve

Now let’s practice translating sentences into algebraic equations and then solving them. We will solve the equations by using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality.

example

Translate and solve: Three more than [latex]x[/latex] is equal to [latex]47[/latex].

Answer: Solution

Three more than x is equal to [latex]47[/latex].
Translate. [latex]x+3=47[/latex]
Subtract [latex]3[/latex] from both sides of the equation. [latex]x+3\color{red}{--3}=47\color{red}{--3}[/latex]
Simplify. [latex]x=44[/latex]
We can check. Let [latex]x=44[/latex] . [latex]x+3=47[/latex]
[latex]44+3=47[/latex]
[latex]47=47[/latex]
So [latex]x=\text{}44[/latex] is the solution.

 

try it

[ohm_question]146551[/ohm_question]
 

example

Translate and solve: The difference of [latex]y[/latex] and [latex]14[/latex] is [latex]18[/latex].

Answer: Solution

The difference of y and [latex]14 is 18[/latex].
Translate. [latex]y--14=18[/latex]
Add [latex]14[/latex] to both sides. [latex]y--14\color{red}{+14}=18\color{red}{+14}[/latex]
Simplify. [latex]y=32[/latex]
We can check. Let [latex]y=32[/latex] . [latex]y--14=18[/latex]
[latex]32--14=18[/latex]
[latex]18=18[/latex]
So [latex]y=32[/latex] is the solution.

 

try it

[ohm_question]146552[/ohm_question]  
In the following video we show more examples of how to translate an equation into words and solve. Note that this is different from the written examples on this page because we start with the mathematical equation then translate it into words. https://youtu.be/tubom5d5lxg

Licenses & Attributions

CC licensed content, Original

  • Question ID 146552, 146551, 146550. Authored by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution. License terms: MathAS Community License.

CC licensed content, Shared previously

  • Solving Equations Using the Story of x (Part 1). Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com). License: CC BY: Attribution.

CC licensed content, Specific attribution