Interpreting Algebraic Expressions

Common Expressions, Equivalents, and Examples
English Expression
    Variable Assignment
    Algebraic Expression
     English Example
     Algebraic Equivalent
8 more than a number
    Let n = Number
    n+8
     The length is 8 more than the width.
     L=W+8
a number plus 8
    Let n = Number
    n+8
     The length equals the width plus 8.
     L=W+8
exceeds number by 8
    Let n = Number
    = n+8
     The length exceeds the width by 8.
     L=W+8
A number increased by 8
    Let n = Number
    n+8
     A number increased by 8 is 42.
     N+8 = 42
A number decreased by 8
    Let n = Number
    n-8
     A number decreased by 8 is 42.
     N-8 = 42
is or equals
    
    =
     The length is 42.
     L=42
8 less than a number
    Let n = Number
    n -8
     The length is 8 less than the width.
     L=W-8
8 less than a number
    Let n = Number
    n -8
     The length 8 iswidth by
     
a number plus 8
    
    
     The length exceeds the width by 8.
     
product of Item1 and Item2
    Let X = Item1
Let Y = Item2
    X*Y
     Area is the product of the length and the width.
     A=LW