This document provides an overview of algebraic expressions. It defines variables and algebraic expressions, and explains that expressions can be evaluated when the variable is defined. Examples are given to show how expressions represent relationships between quantities. Words that indicate addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are listed. Practice problems are included to write expressions for word phrases and situations. The key aspects covered are variables, expressions, evaluating expressions, and writing expressions from word problems.

1. Algebraic
Expressions

2. Review
Variable – is a letter
or symbol that
represents an
unknown quantity.X y Z n t

3. Algebraic expression-
contains at least one
variable and does not
contain an equal sign
EX: T + 3

4. Since an algebraic expression
contains a variable, we can
evaluate the expression if we
are given what the variable
equals.
If m = 8,
solve the
expression
m + 5.
m + 5
8 + 5
13

5. You can use algebraic expressions
to explain a relationship between
quantities.
Ex:Ex: Her math grade decreased
by 6 points. Let g represent the
math grade.
g - 6

6. Words That Lead to Addition
• Sum
• More than
• Increased
• Plus
• Altogether

7. Words That Lead to Subtraction
• Decreased
• Less
• Difference
• Minus
• How many more

8. Words That Lead to Multiplication
• Product
• Total
• Area
• Times
• Of

9. Words That Lead to Division
• Share
• Distribute
• Quotient
• Average

10. Practice Problems
1. Five plus y
2. 6 times q
3. 2 less than x

11. ANSWERS
1. 5 + y
2. 6q
3. x - 2

12. Practice Problems
4. Evaluate 7y
when y =2.
5. Evaluate 6 – w
when w = 1.

13. ANSWERS
4. 14
5. 5

14. Write Algebraic Expressions
for These Word Phrases
• Ten more than a number
• A number decrease by 5
• 6 less than a number
• A number increased by 8
• The sum of a number & 9
• 4 more than a number
n + 10
w - 5
x - 6
n + 8
n + 9
y + 4

15. Write Algebraic Expressions
for These Word Phrases
• A number s plus 2
• A number decrease by 1
• 31 less than a number
• A number b increased by 7
• The sum of a number & 6
• 9 more than a number
s + 2
k - 1
x - 31
b + 7
n + 6
z + 9

16. Write an Algebraic Expression
for These Situations
• Scott’s brother is 2 years younger than
Scott
• The sum of two numbers is 12
• The difference between two numbers is 5
s - 2
v + c = 12
m – n = 5

17. Practice Problems
6. A cake will serve 12
people. Write an
expression for how many
people will C cakes
serve?

18. ANSWERS
6. 12c

19. Practice Problems
7.The drama club sold 60 more
tickets on Saturday as on
Friday (f). Write an
expression for the number of
tickets sold on Saturday.

20. ANSWERS
7. f + 60