NOTES #2

A. OPERATIONAL
Algebraic Translation English Words
Plus A number plus three x+3
more than Ten more than a number x+1
the sum of The sum of a number and five x+5
+ total of
increased by
The total of six and some number
A number increased by two
6+x
x+2
added to Eleven added to a number x + 11
minus A number minus seven X–7
- less than
difference of
Four less than a number
The difference of a number and three
X–4
X–3
less Nine less a number 9–X
decreased by A number decreased by twelve X – 12
subtracted from Six subtracted from a number X–6
times Eight times a number 8x
X, • , () the product of The product of fourteen and a number 14x
twice; double Twice a number; double a number 2x
multiplied by A number multiplied by negative six −6x
of Three fourths of a number 3 x
4
the quotient of The quotient of a number and seven x
÷, -- divided by Ten divided by a number
7
10
x
the ratio of The ratio of a number to fifteen x
15
X2 The square of x, x squared , the second power of x, x to the second
power
Square root of

Note:
 The multiplication x is seldom used in algebra since it could be mistaken for the letter x. Thus, if we wish
to express the idea of eight times the number. We can do this in any of the following ways:
8∙n 8(n) 8n
Instead of expressing it as 8 x n.

 The division symbol (÷) is rarely used in algebra. More often we use the fraction bar. Thus, for a ÷ b we
write it as .
B. SYMBOLS OF RELATIONSHIP

= Equals, is equal to, is

> Is greater than, is more than
< Is less than
≠ Is not equal to
≥ Is greater than or equal to
≤ Is less than or equal to
C. SYMBOLS FOR GROUPING
Parentheses () 2 (8x –y)
Brackets [] 8- [ 9+ (x – 4)]
Braces {} x- { 5 + [9 + (x - 4)]}
Bar ----- 3 − 2𝑥
𝑦