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Math
A |
Algebraic
Representations |
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Solving
problems in algebra depends on our ability to represent missing
or unknown quantities. |
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Representing unknown quantities
is easy to do if we know the "language". For example, what
operation is meant by the phrase more
than ? |
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If
you guessed addition
then you were right! All it takes is a little vocabulary
drill. Below are some of the most common phrases used in
problem solving, together with the operations they represent.
Study these relationships and you should be a whiz at algebraic
representation. |
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more
than
increased by
exceeds |
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*less
than
decreased by
diminished by
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*
be careful using "less than" - it reverses the order of things |
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1. |
two
more than a number |
2
+ x
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2. |
five
less than three times a
number |
3x
- 5
notice
how this changed the order |
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3. |
seven
times a number, increased
by 4 |
7x
+ 4 |
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4. |
six
decreased by 5 times a
number |
6
- 5x |
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