Write an algebraic expression for each word phrase

Question

12 more than 8.2 times a number n

Answer 1

Hi Tineisha! Let's see if I can help you with this....

When writing equations, it's REALLY important to get the order right. The order we say it in English isn't always the order we need to write it in math.

If we have 12 more of something, we must be adding. We know that when we add, the order isn't important. However, it's a good idea to always be precise. If we have 12 more of something, we have to have that something first, so the 12 more goes after.

Then we have to figure out how to write 8.2 times a number n. To figure this out, let's step away from this problem for a minute. If you have 2 times 4, how would you write that? It should be 2 x 4. Now let's go back to the problem. You have 8.2 times a number n. If 2 times 4 is 2 x 4, then 8.2 times n is 8.2 x n.

Now let's put all that together.......

12 more than 8.2 times a number n turns into:

(8.2 x n) + 12

It could also be written: 8.2n + 12

Answer 2

Reading these backwards is one way to tackle this problem.

n is representative of the number. We need a number that is multiplied by 8.2, and is 12 more than that number (+). So that would look like 8.2n+12 in a standard format.