The table below shows how to convert descriptions used in word problems to mathematical forms. The same mathematical concept or operation may be described in multiple ways in English language.
English | Math | Example | Translation |
What, a number | x, n etc | Three more than a number is 8. | n + 3 = 8 |
Equals, is, are, was, were, will be, gives, yields, sold for, has, costs | = | Jan is 10 years old. A pen costs 2 dollars. | j = 10 p = 2 |
Is greater then Is less than At least, minimum At most, maximum |
> < >= <=
|
Jan has more money than Bob. Anna's age is less than Nate's. There are at least 20 questions on the test. Cathy can invite a maximum of 10 people to her party. |
j > b a < n t >= 20 c <=10 |
More, more than, greater than, added to, total, sum, increased by, together |
+ |
Kelly has 4 more pencils than Jack. Kelly and John have a total of 12 pencils. |
k = j + 4 k + j = 12 |
Less than, smaller than decreased by, difference, fewer |
- |
Tammy has 4 fewer pencils than Cathy. The difference between Jack's and Bob's savings is $54. |
t = c - 4 j - b = 54 |
Of, times, product of, twice, double, triple, half of, quarter of |
x |
Eric has thrice as many pencils as Jan. Jack has half as many pens as Eric. |
e = 3 x j or e = 3j j = e x 1/2 or j = e/2 |
Divided by, per, for, out of, ratio of, of___to___ |
/ or ÷ |
Sally has $1 more for every $2 Lin has. The ratio of Lin's savings to Sally's savings is 2:1. |
s = l ÷ 2 or s = l/2 l/s = 2/1 |
Directions: Choose the mathematical forms for the word problems given below. Also, write at least ten examples of your own of English statements and their mathematical equivalents.
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