Translating Words into Algebra Language

Here are some statements in English. Just below each statement is its translation in algebra.

The sum of three times a number and eight 3x + 8

The words "the sum of" tell us we need a plus sign because we're going to add three times a number to eight. The words "three times" tell us the first term is a number multiplied by three.
In this expression, we don't need a multiplication sign or parenthesis. Phrases like "a number" or "the number" tell us our expression has an unknown quantity, called a variable. In algebra, we use letters to represent variables.

The product of a number and the same number less three x(x – 3)

The words "the product of" tell us we're going to multiply a number times the number less 3. In this case, we'll use parentheses to represent the multiplication. The words "less 3" tell us to subtract three from the unknown number.

a number divided by the same number less five

 
The words "divided by" tell us we're going to divide a number by the difference of the number and 5. In this case, we'll use a fraction to represent the division. The words "less 5" tell us we need a minus sign because we're going to subtract five.

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