This document discusses algebraic expressions and how to write them. It defines a variable as a symbol that represents an unknown quantity. An algebraic expression contains at least one variable but no equal sign. When writing an expression, you choose a variable, decide the operation, and can check it by plugging in values. Certain words indicate addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Practice problems are provided to write expressions based on word problems.

1. A lgebraic
Ex pr essions

2. Var iable – is a letter
or symbol that
r epresents an
unknown quantity.
X yZ n
t

3. A lgebraic ex pr essioncontaining at least one
variable and does not
contain an equal sign
EX: T + 3

4. When writing an
algebr aic expression,
r emember these
items…

5. 1. Decide on a
variable to r epr esent
the unknown
=b
P=

6. 2. Decide what
oper ation
r epresents the
situation

7. 3. If possible, check
your expression by
plugging in values to
see if the answer
makes sense.

8. If given an expression
and the value of the
variable, simply plug
the value in and
solve.
m + 8
m = 2
2 + 8 = 10

9. Words That Lead to Subtraction
Decreased – Less – Difference
Minus – How many more
Words That Lead to Division
Divided by – Quotient

10. Words That Lead to Addition
Sum – More than –
Increased
Plus – Altogether
Words That Lead to Multiplication
Times – Product – Of

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

12. Pr actice Problems
4. A cake will
serve 12 people.
Write an expr ession for
how many people will C
cakes serve?

13. Practice Problems
5.The drama club sold 60
mor e tickets on Satur day
as on Fr iday. Write an
expr ession for the
number
of tickets
sold on