Lesson 19 Mathematical Phrase and Verbal Phrases

Many words and phrases suggest mathematical operations . The following common words and
phrases indicate addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Mathematics Dictionary

Word or Phrase Mathematical operation

Ssum, sum of, added to, increased by, more than, plus, and +

Ddifference, minus, subtracted from, decreased by, less, less than −

Pproduct, the product of, of, muitiplied by, times ⋅
Qquotient, divided by, ratio ÷
Eequals, is equal to, is, the result is, becomes =
a number, an unknown quantity, an unknown, a quantity
x (or any symbol)

Verbal phrases can be translated into variable expressions. Some examples are below.

Sample Set A

Translate the following phrases or sentences into mathematical expressions or equations.

Six more than a number (6 + X )

 Fifteen minus a number (15 – X )
A quantity Y less eight (Y – 8 )
Twice a number is ten (2X= 10 )

Three times a number is five more than twice the same number ( 3y = 5 + 2y )

Practice Set A

Translate the following phrases or sentences into mathematical expressions or equations.

Eleven more than a number.

11+x

Nine minus a number.

9−x

A quantity less twenty.

x−20

Four times a number is thirty two.

4x=32

One third of a number is six.

x3=6

Ten times a number is eight more than five times the same number.

10x=8+5x

Sometimes the structure of the sentence indicates the use of grouping symbols.

Sample Set B

Translate the following phrases or sentences into mathematical expressions or equations.

Whenever possible, select a single variable to represent an unknown quantity. Then express
related quantities in terms of the first variable selected.
Examples
For each relationship, select a variable to represent one quantity and state what that variable represents. Then
express the second quantity in terms of the variable selected.
a) The Kings scored 7 more points than the Rangers.
Let r = number of points scored by the Rangers
Let r + 7 = number of points scored by the Kings
b) Bob and Marc share $65.
Let a = how much Bob receives.
Let 65 - a = amount Marc receives.
Practice
Write each statement as an algebraic expression.
1) Kim has 7 more than 5 times the amount Sylvia has.

2) The length of a rectangle is 3 feet less than 4 times its width.

3) Write an expression to represent how much a realtor will earn at a 6% commission on a house that
costs x dollars.

Write each problem below as an equation.

4) The number of cents in d dimes is 120.

5) The cost of x gallons of gasoline at $3.20 per gallon is $35.20.

6) One train travels 3 miles more than twice the distance another train travels. The total distance traveled by
both trains is 800 miles.

Answer Key
Let us now observe some algebraic expressions that are contained in the mathematical phrases and
mathematical sentences presented below.

Mathematical Phrases Mathematical Sentences

20 – 12 20 – 12 = 8
2b 2b = 4
x+y 7=x+y
5s 5s = t
3r + 4 3+4<0
-7c -7c  1
e – 4d e – 4d > ½
2v + w 2v + w  9a

What do you observe? How do you compare a mathematical phrase with a mathematical
sentence? _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

You are correct! A mathematical phrase contains an algebraic expression that does not express a
complete thought. On the other hand, a mathematical sentence contains algebraic expressions
together with a relation symbol =, <, , > or  and it expresses a complete thought. We recall that
these relation symbols are read as follows.

= is equal to or equals
< is less than
 is less than or equal to
> is greater than
 is greater than or equal to

Now, let us look at the given mathematical sentences. The first four mathematical sentences namely,
20 – 12 = 8, 2b = 4, 7 = x + y and
5s = t are called equations. Can you give your own examples of equations?
________________________________________________________________
If your answers contain algebraic expressions together with the sign =, then you are right.

In your view, what is an equation? ____________________________________

________________________________________________________________
Good. An equation is a mathematical sentence that makes use of the symbol =. What do you think
does the symbol = imply? ____________________________

Yes, the symbol = implies that the two sides of the equation are equal. This means that whatever is
the value of the left side of the equation is also the value of the right side.
This time, let us focus on the last four mathematical sentences namely, 3 + 4 < 0, -7c  1, e–
4d > ½ and 2v + w  9a. These mathematical sentences are called inequalities. Can you give
your own examples of inequalities?
____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
If your examples contain algebraic expressions together with the relation symbols <, , > or , then
you are correct.

How do you then define an inequality? _________________________________

________________________________________________________________
Very good. An inequality is a mathematical sentence that makes use of the relation symbols <, , >
or .

What do the symbols < and > imply? ___________________________________

________________________________________________________________Yes. The symbols <
and > imply that the left side of the inequality is not equal to the right side of the inequality. This
means further that the symbol < is used when the value of the left side of the inequality is less than
the value of the right side, while the symbol > is used when the value of the left side of the inequality
is greater than the value of the right side.

The symbol  means that the value of the left side of the inequality is either less than or equal to the
value of the right side, while the symbol  means that the value of the left side of the inequality is
either greater than or equal to the value of the right side.

Again, let us go back to each of the given mathematical sentences and tell whether it is true or
false.

Mathematical sentence True or False?

1. 20 – 12 = 8 _____
2. 2b = 4 _____
3. 7=x+y _____
4. 5s = t _____
5. 3+4<0 _____
6. -7c  1 _____
7. e – 4d > ½ _____
8. 2v + w  9a _____

If your answer is true for the first mathematical sentence, false for the 5th mathematical sentence,
while may be true or false or neither true nor false, for the remaining mathematical sentences, then
you are correct.

Sentences 2, 3 4, 6, 7 and 8 may be true or false depending upon the value/s of the variable/s. For
example, in the equation
2b = 4
if b = 2 then 2(2) = 4 and the equation is true,

but if b = –1 then 2(-1) = 4 thus, the equation is false.

Sentences 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 are examples of open sentences. An open sentence is an equation
or inequality that becomes true or false when the variable is replaced by a value.

Let us summarize what you learned in this lesson.

Remember

A mathematical phrase is an expression that does not express

a complete thought.

A mathematical sentence is an expression together with a

relation symbol =, <, , > or . It expresses a complete thought.

A mathematical sentence may be an equation or inequality.

An equation is a mathematical sentence that makes use of

the symbol =.

An inequality is a mathematical sentence that makes use

of the relation symbols <, , > or .

An open sentence is an equation or inequality that becomes true or false when the
variable is replaced by a value.

Self-check 1

A. Tell whether each of the following is a mathematical phrase or a mathematical sentence.

1. x + ½ + 2 6. 2x + 21  4
2. 3(x – 2) = 2(x +5) 7. 4(c2 + d2)
3. y – 5  7 8. 10 - x
 4. y + 1/y 9. 11 + 5x  3x -1
5. y2 + 5y 10. n – (n+2) = 13

B. Consider the following mathematical sentences. Classify as true, false or open.

1. One kilometer is equal to 1000 meters.

2. It is the world’s largest archipelago.
3. 5 + 9 =14
4. 9x + 4 = 20
5. 15  21

C. Fill in the box with the relation symbol =, <, , > or .

1. 3 + 5 9–1

2. 8 2(7 – 3)

3. (39  3) + 2 6 +2(5 – 1)

4. x + 6 13, if x is replaced by 7

5. 2m 6 + 9, if m is 1

A knowledge of mathematical symbols and their meanings will enable you to translate verbal
sentences into mathematical sentences and vice-versa.

Let us study the chart below.

Word/Phrase Symbol
added to, increased by, more than,
the sum of, plus +
Subtracted from/to, decreased by,
diminished by, less than, the difference -
( )
As much as, of, as many as, product of or sometimes not written anymore
Divided by, the quotient of, ratio, over , /, __
Is equal to, equals, is the same as =
is less than <
is less than or equal to, at most 
is greater than >
is greater than or equal to, at least 

Now, let us use the phrases and their corresponding symbols given in the chart to translate verbal
sentences into equations or inequalities.

Example 1. Translate each of the following into a mathematical sentences.

1.1 verbal sentence: Three times a number is nine.

translation: 3  n = 9

mathematical sentence: 3 n = 9 or 3n = 9

We note that the symbol for the operation multiplication may not be written anymore.

1.2 verbal sentence: The sum of a number and seven is twelve.

translation: b + 7 = 12

mathematical sentence: b + 7 = 12

1.3 verbal sentence: The difference between a number and one is eight.

translation: c - 1 = 8

mathematical sentence: c–1=8

Let us see if you can do the same thing in the following sentences. Write the corresponding symbols
below.

1.4 verbal sentence: A number added to six is greater than two.

translation: ____ ___ ___ ___ __

mathematical sentence: ________________________________________

If your answer is x + 6 > 2, then you are correct.

1.5 verbal sentence: Twice a number subtracted by nine is less than five.

translation: ___ ___ __ ___ ___ ___

mathematical sentence: _________________________________________

If your answer is 2x – 9 < 5, then you got it right.

What if you are to translate a mathematical equation into a verbal sentence? Let us consider
the following examples.

Example 2. Translate each mathematical sentence into a verbal sentence.

2.1 mathematical sentence: x y = 16

verbal sentence: The product of x and y is sixteen.

We note that the given mathematical sentence may also be translated as “The product of a number
and another number is 16.” or “x times y is equal to 16.”

2.2 mathematical sentence: a+47

verbal sentence: The sum of a number and four is greater than or equal
to seven.

Now, let us see if you can translate the given mathematical sentence into a verbal sentence.

2.3 mathematical sentence: 5 - 2y = -3

verbal sentence: ____________________________________________

If your answer is “Five subtracted by twice a number is negative three.” or “Two times a
number subtracted from five equals negative three.”, then you are correct.

2.4 mathematical sentence: 3 (r + 9) < 10

verbal sentence: ___________________________________________

If your answer is “Thrice the sum of a number and 9 is less than ten.” or “Three multiplied by
the sum of r and nine is less than ten.”, then you are very good. This means that you already know
how to translate mathematical sentences into verbal sentences.

Let us have a summary of our discussion.

 To translate a verbal sentence into a mathematical sentence, we use a symbol
that corresponds to every word or phrase in the given verbal sentence until the
mathematical sentence is formed

To translate a mathematical sentence into a verbal sentence, we use a word or a

phrase to that corresponds to every symbol in the given mathematical sentence until
the thought of the verbal sentence is obtained.

Self-check 2

A. Translate each verbal sentence into a mathematical sentence.

1. A number added to six is equal to two.

2. A number minus 16 is equal to 38.
3. The difference between 4a and 7 is less than 6.
4. Seven times the sum of 8 and a is grater than or equal to 10.
5. Six times a number y less than four is equal to eight.

B. Translate the given mathematical sentence into a verbal sentence.

1. 2x + 5 = 9
2. 9 + 3x = 18
3. 2x – 16  4
4. 2(x + 1) = 8
5. 4m – 3  16

Answer Key on page 21

Lesson 3 Differentiating First-degree Equations from First-degree Inequalities in

One Variable

In lesson 1, you learned the difference between an equation and inequality. Let us study the
following.

The equations below are first-degree equations in one variable.

x=1 5b = 4 2a + 7 = 0 6c – 5 = -2 7 + 8y = 2
The equations below are not first-degree equations in one variable.

y2 = 1 5b – r = 14 2a + 7b3 = 0 6c4 – 5 = -2 8y = 2x

Which of the following equations are first-degree equations in one variable?

x + 8 = 15 z3 = 0 3a + 6h = ½ 5r – 1 = 4 t = -7

Compare your answers with mine. x + 8 = 15 , 5r – 1 = 4 and t = -7

Did you get the correct answers? Good!

How do you define a first-degree equation in one variable? _______________________

________________________________________________________________________

You are right. A first-degree equation in one variable is an equation that contains only one
variable and the variable is raised to exponent 1. Thus, a first-degree equation in x is of the form ax
+ b = 0 where a is a nonzero real number and b is any real number.

Can you give your own examples of first-degree equations in one variable?
________________________________________________________________
If your examples are equations that contain only one variable and the variable is raised to exponent
one, then you are right.

Now, let us consider the first set of first-degree equations in one variable that are given above.

x=1 5b = 4 2a + 7 = 0 6c – 5 = -2 7 + 8y = 2

If the symbol = is changed to any of the following relation symbols, <, , > or , then we have first-
degree inequalities in one variable. Some possible results are as follows.

x <1 5b > 4 2a + 7  0 6c – 5  -2 7 + 8y < 2

What is a first-degree inequality in one variable? ______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
Correct. A first-degree inequality in one variable is an inequality that contains only one variable and
the variable is raised to exponent 1.

A first-degree inequality in x is of the following forms:

ax + b < 0
ax + b  0
ax + b > 0
ax + b  0
where a is a nonzero real number and b is any real number.

Give your own examples of a first-degree inequality in one variable?

___________________________________________________________________
If your examples are of the forms as stated above, then you are correct.
Let us have a summary of our discussion.

A first-degree equation in one variable is an equation that

contains only one variable and the variable is raised to exponent 1.

A first-degree equation in x is of the form

ax + b = 0 where a is a nonzero constant

and b is any real number.

A first-degree inequality in one variable is an inequality that contains only one

variable and the variable is raised to exponent 1.

A first-degree inequality in x is of the following forms:

ax + b < 0

ax + b  0
Self-check 3
where a is a nonzero real number

ax + b > 0 and b is any real number.

ax + b  0

Determine whether each of the following is an example of a first-degree equation or a first-degree

inequality in one variable. Explain your answer.

1. x + 1 = 0
2. 9/y2 = 3
1. 4a2 + 4a + 1 > 0
2. m + n = 25
5. 9 = 3c

Lesson 4 Applications of Equations and Inequalities

Equations and inequalities are used to model some real-life situations. This is successfully done by
using your knowledge in translating a verbal sentence into an equation or inequality.

Let us study the following examples.

1. In 1994, twice the population of a barangay n in Cavite is 50 000. This is modeled by an

equation that is obtained by translating the verbal sentence “Twice n is 50 000.” into an
equation. Thus, we have 2n = 50 000.

2. The distance d that a vehicle travels is computed by multiplying the rate r by the time t it
consumes. In symbols, this is written as d = rt. What equation represents the time consumed
by a plane in traveling a distance of 1,468 miles at the rate of 400 mi/hr.?
___________________________

Correct. The equation is 1468 = 400t.

3. Patrick is 4 inches taller than Manny. The sum of their heights is less than 7 feet. Represent
this by a first-degree inequality in one variable.
___________________________________________________________

If you use the variable p for Patrick’s height, then Manny’s height is p + 4. (You can also use other
variables.) Thus, your final answer must be
p + p + 4 < 7.

4. The amount earned by John is three times the amount earned by Armand. What first-degree
inequality in one variable will be used to model the situation if you use the variable a to
represent the amount earned by Armand and their total earnings is at least P28,000?
___________________________________

You should have represented the amount earned by John as 3a and your final answer must be a + 3a
 28000.

5. Connie’s age is half of Ian’s age. Suppose Ian’s age is represented by i. What first-degree
equation in one variable will represent the verbal sentence “Ten years from now, their total
ages will be 54.” ? ______________________

Let us check your answer. You should have used ½ i for Connie’s age. Ten years from now, Ian’s
and Connie’s ages should be represented by
i + 10 and ½ i + 10 respectively. Why? ___________________________

Yes, ten years from now is translated as + 10. Thus, your equation must be i + 10 + ½ i + 10 = 54.

Let us summarize what you learned in this lesson.

Some real-life situations are modeled by equations or inequalities. To do this,

we translate the verbal sentence into an equation or inequality.
Read the following situations and do what is required.

1. Tom’s weight is 2 lbs less than the weight w of Cherry. Write a first-degree
equation in one variable that represents the sentence “The sum of Tom’s and
Cherry’s weights is 210 lbs.”

2. The perimeter p of a rectangle with length l and width w is given by the

formula p = 2l + 2w. The length of the top of a rectangular table is 1 m more
than its width. What is the first-degree equation in one variable that relates the perimeter and width of
the top of that table if the perimeter is 6 m?

3. Jenny sold 20 more magazines than Chris. If you use the variable c to
represent the number of magazines sold by Chris, what first-degree equation in one variable
represents the sentence “Five times the total number of magazines sold by Jenny and Chris is ten
more than seven times the number of magazines sold by Jenny.”?

4.The number of P10 coins is 17 decreased by the number of P5 coins. If the

variable f is used to represent the number of P5 coins, how will you represent the following:

4.1 number of P10 coins in terms of f

4.2 value of P5 coins
4.3 value of P10 coins
4.4 first degree mathematical sentence in one variable for “The value of all coins is at most
P110.”

3. Let d be the distance ran by Henry. Diego ran a third as far as Henry. Write
the first-degree equation that models the statement “The distance ran by
Henry is four times the distance ran by Diego.”.

Answer Key on page 22

What to do after (Posttest)

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following is a mathematical sentence?

 a. x2 + 6x + 9 c. x - 9
b. y + 1/y  5 d. x2 + 4x + 4

2. The following are inequalities EXCEPT

a. 2x – 5  x + 2 c. 3x + 5  2x – 7
b. 3n2 + 5n –2 < 3n + 4 d. x2 – x = 2

3. The following are open sentences EXCEPT?

a. She is the first woman president in the Philippines.

b. x is a counting number divisible by five.
c. The Philippines is composed of 10 regions.
d. x2 + 5x + 4 = 0

4. Which of the following is an equation?

a. 5 + 7 c. x > y
b. 2x – y d. 6 = a

5. What is an equivalent verbal statement for “2 (x + y) – 5  12”.

a. Twice the sum of x and y less five is grater than or equal to twelve.
b. Twice x plus y minus five is greater than twelve.
c. Twice the sum of x and y less than five is greater than twelve.
d. Twice x plus y minus five is greater than or equal to twelve.

6. Which of the following is a verbal sentence for the inequality 3x  12?

a. Three times a number is greater than twelve.

b. Thrice a number multiplied by three is greater than or equal to twelve.
c. Thrice a number is at least twelve.
d. Three times a number is at most twelve.

7. What is the mathematical sentence for “A number diminished by eight is

thirteen.”?

a. x – 8 = 13 c. x + 8 = 13
b. 8 – x = 13 d. x – 8 > 13

8. Which of the following is the mathematical sentence for the verbal sentence
“The product of a number n and sixteen added to another number m is 50.”?

a. n + 16 + m = 50 c. n + 16m = 50
b. 16n + m = 50 d. 16nm = 50

9. Which of the following is used as a symbol to represent a first-degree

equation in one variable?

a. = b. < c.  d. >
10. The following are first-degree inequalities in one variable EXCEPT

a. x2 – 4x  2x – 5 c. 3  -5x + 2
b. 3x – 2  x + 7 d. 7x – 10  5x – 1

11. If a is any nonzero real number and b is any real number, which of the
following represents a first-degree equation in x?

a. ax + b = 0 c. ax2 + b = 0
b. ax + by = 0 d. ax + b > 0

12. Which of the following is a first-degree equation in one variable?

i. v – 3 = 15
2
ii. v = 100
iii. 6 = 12 - v

a. i only b. ii only c. i and ii d. i and iii

13. What equation represents the distance d traveled by a bus at the rate of 80
kph in 2 hours?

a. d = 80 (2) c. 2 = 80d
b. 80 = 2d d. d = 80 + 2

14. The number of P100-bills is 4 more than thrice the number of P50-bills. If
there are x-P50 bills, what first-degree equation in one variable will represent the sentence “The total
number of bills is 28”.?

a. x + 4 + 3x = 28 c. x = 28
b. 28 = 4 + 3x d. x + 4 + x = 28

15. If Celia’s age at present is represented by c, what first-degree equation in

one variable will represent “Celia’s age 15 years from now is 23 less than
twice her age at present.”?

a. c = 2c – 23 c. c + 15 = 2c – 23
b. –15 = 2c – 23 d. 15 + c = 23 – 2c