Translate from words to mathematical expressions.
Producing a mathematical model of a real situation often involves translating
verbal statements into mathematical statements. Although the problems
we will be working with are simple ones, the methods we use will also apply
to more difficult problems later.
Verbal Expression (where x and y are numbers)
Addition
The sum of a number and 7 = x + 7
6 more than a number = x + 6
3 plus a number = 3 + x
24 added to a number = x + 24
A number increased by 5 = x + 5
The sum of two numbers = x + y
Subtraction
2 less than a number = x – 2
12 minus a number = 12 – x
A number decreased by 12 = x – 12
A number subtracted from 10 = 10 – x
The difference between two numbers = x – y
Multiplication
16 times a number = 16x
A number multiplied by 6 = 6x
of a number (used with
fractions and percent) = x
Twice (2 times) a number = 2x
The product of two numbers = xy
Division
The quotient of 8 and a number = 
(x ≠ 0)
A number divided by 13 = 
The ratio of two numbers or the
quotient of two numbers = 
(y ≠0)