Converting Word Problems into Algebraic Equations

Brought to you by

Tutorial Services – The Math Center

Workshop Objectives

In this workshop, we will: Learn how to develop a strategy for solving word

problems Learn how to “translate” word problems into

algebraic (math) symbols Work out some examples

Developing a strategy

Read the problem carefully! Try to describe the information given in your

own words. Identify what the word problem is asking you

for. Algebraic expression Solving an equation

Ex. 5x + 3

Ex. 5x + 3 = 23

“Translating” the words

Refer to the table on the Identify all key words given in the word

problem.

Do any of the key words require special attention to order?

Begin your translation!

“Sum” “Difference” “Quotient” “Product”

student handout.

Example 1

Six subtracted from 5 times a number Based on the key words, what operation will you

be doing? Are we just writing the algebraic expression or do

we have to solve an equation? According to the table, do you have to be careful

with order?

“Subtracted” “Times”

“is”

6 -

Where?

Example 1 (cont.)Translate into symbols Write down operation sign

Write what comes after “subtracted from” before the minus sign

Write what comes before “subtracted from” after the minus sign

Final algebraic expression

-5x 6

Final Expression:

Example 2

Twice a number plus one is equal to 145. Based on the key words, what operation will you

be doing? Are we just writing the algebraic expression or do

we have to solve an equation? According to the table, do you have to be careful

with order?

“Plus”

“is”

2x +

Does it matter?

Example 2 (cont.)Translate into symbols

Keyword?

Twice a number

Twice a number plus one is equal to 145.

Solve for unknown value

“Plus” +

2 x

2x

+

1 = 145

2x 1 = 145- 1 - 12x = 1442 2

x = 72

+

Brought to you by Tutorial Services – The Math Center

Questions?

Converting Word Problem Links Converting Word Problems Handout Translating Words into Algebraic Terms Converting Word Problems Quiz