| 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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