The difference of eight and a number

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 22 views

Understanding the Problem

When translating a phrase into an algebraic expression, it's essential to break down the phrase into its individual components and understand the mathematical operations involved. In this case, the phrase "Four times the difference of eight and a number" can be translated into an algebraic expression using variables and mathematical operations.

Identifying the Key Components

To translate the phrase into an algebraic expression, we need to identify the key components involved:

Four times: This indicates that we need to multiply the result by 4.
The difference of eight and a number: This indicates that we need to find the difference between 8 and a variable (representing the unknown number).

Using Variables to Represent the Unknown

Let's use a variable, x, to represent the unknown number. This will allow us to create an algebraic expression that represents the phrase.

Creating the Algebraic Expression

Now that we have identified the key components and used a variable to represent the unknown, we can create the algebraic expression:

The difference of eight and a number: This can be represented as 8 - x, where x is the unknown number.
Four times: This indicates that we need to multiply the result by 4, so we multiply (8 - x) by 4.

Writing the Algebraic Expression

Using the above steps, we can write the algebraic expression as:

4(8 - x)

Simplifying the Algebraic Expression

To simplify the algebraic expression, we can use the distributive property to multiply the 4 by the terms inside the parentheses:

32 - 4x

Conclusion

In this article, we have explained how to translate the phrase "Four times the difference of eight and a number" into an algebraic expression. We identified the key components involved, used a variable to represent the unknown, and created the algebraic expression using mathematical operations. The final algebraic expression is 4(8 - x), which simplifies to 32 - 4x.

Tips for Translating Phrases into Algebraic Expressions

When translating phrases into algebraic expressions, it's essential to follow these tips:

Read the phrase carefully: Understand the mathematical operations involved and identify the key components.
Use variables to represent unknowns: This will allow you to create an algebraic expression that represents the phrase.
Apply mathematical operations: Use the distributive property, multiplication, and addition to create the algebraic expression.
Simplify the expression: Use algebraic properties to simplify the expression and make it easier to work with.

Examples of Translating Phrases into Algebraic Expressions

Here are some examples of translating phrases into algebraic expressions:

"Three times the sum of five and a number": This can be translated into the algebraic expression 3(5 + x), which simplifies to 15 + 3x.
"The difference of seven and twice a number": This can be translated into the algebraic expression 7 - 2x.
"Four times the product of two and a number": This can be translated into the algebraic expression 4(2x), which simplifies to 8x.

Conclusion

Translating phrases into algebraic expressions is an essential skill in mathematics, and it requires careful reading, understanding of mathematical operations, and application of algebraic properties. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can improve your skills in translating phrases into algebraic expressions and become more confident in solving mathematical problems.

Final Thoughts

Translating phrases into algebraic expressions is not just about creating a mathematical expression; it's about understanding the mathematical operations involved and applying algebraic properties to simplify the expression. By mastering this skill, you can solve a wide range of mathematical problems and become more confident in your ability to work with algebraic expressions.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Translating phrases into algebraic expressions can be a challenging task, especially for those who are new to algebra. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about translating phrases into algebraic expressions.

Q: What is the first step in translating a phrase into an algebraic expression?

A: The first step in translating a phrase into an algebraic expression is to read the phrase carefully and identify the key components involved. This includes understanding the mathematical operations involved and identifying the variables and constants.

Q: How do I identify the variables and constants in a phrase?

A: To identify the variables and constants in a phrase, look for words that indicate unknown values, such as "a number" or "x." These words are usually represented by variables, such as x or y. Constants, on the other hand, are values that do not change, such as 2 or 5.

Q: What is the difference between a variable and a constant?

A: A variable is a value that can change, while a constant is a value that does not change. In algebra, variables are usually represented by letters, such as x or y, while constants are represented by numbers, such as 2 or 5.

Q: How do I translate a phrase that involves multiple operations?

A: To translate a phrase that involves multiple operations, follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Parentheses: Evaluate any expressions inside parentheses first.
Exponents: Evaluate any exponents next.
Multiplication and Division: Evaluate any multiplication and division operations from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

Q: How do I simplify an algebraic expression?

A: To simplify an algebraic expression, combine like terms and eliminate any unnecessary parentheses. Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent, such as 2x and 3x.

Q: What is the distributive property, and how do I use it to simplify an algebraic expression?

A: The distributive property is a property of algebra that states that a single term can be distributed to multiple terms inside parentheses. To use the distributive property, multiply the single term by each term inside the parentheses.

Q: How do I translate a phrase that involves fractions?

A: To translate a phrase that involves fractions, identify the numerator and denominator of the fraction and translate them separately. For example, the phrase "one-third of a number" can be translated into the algebraic expression (1/3)x.

Q: What is the difference between an algebraic expression and an equation?

A: An algebraic expression is a mathematical statement that involves variables and constants, while an equation is a mathematical statement that involves an equal sign (=). An equation is a statement that says two expressions are equal, such as 2x + 3 = 5.

Q: How do I solve an equation that involves an algebraic expression?

A: To solve an equation that involves an algebraic expression, isolate the variable by performing inverse operations. This may involve adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing both sides of the equation by the same value.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when translating phrases into algebraic expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when translating phrases into algebraic expressions include:

Misreading the phrase: Make sure to read the phrase carefully and identify the key components involved.
Misidentifying variables and constants: Make sure to identify variables and constants correctly and represent them accurately in the algebraic expression.
Failing to simplify the expression: Make sure to simplify the algebraic expression by combining like terms and eliminating unnecessary parentheses.