Algebra as Language Math Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 3

easy
Write an equation: 'A number decreased by 7 equals 15.'

Solution

  1. 1
    Let xx be the number.
  2. 2
    x−7=15x - 7 = 15.

Answer

x−7=15x - 7 = 15
'Decreased by' means subtraction, 'equals' becomes ==. Each English phrase has a direct algebraic translation — learning this vocabulary is learning algebra as a language.

About Algebra as Language

The perspective that algebra is a formal language with syntax and grammar for expressing mathematical ideas and relationships precisely.

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More Algebra as Language Examples

Example 1 easy

Translate into algebra: 'Five more than twice a number is seventeen.'

Example 2 medium

Express in algebra: 'The product of two consecutive integers is 12 more than twice their sum.'

Example 4 medium

Express: 'The square of the sum of [formula] and [formula]' vs 'The sum of the squares of [formula]

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