Expressions into words | GCSE / IGCSE Maths | Tope Teaches Maths

AlgebraKS3 / GCSE

Describe an algebraic expression in words.

Read the whole expression before describing it.
Say what happens to the letter or to a group of terms.
Brackets often represent “the total of” or “the sum of”.

Expression	In words
	four times , minus 7
	double the sum of and 5
	three times , plus 2
	divided by 4

Example 1

Describe in words.

The sum of

and 5

Double that whole sum

Double the sum of

and 5.

Example 2

Describe in words.

Three times

Then subtract 4

Three times

, minus 4.

Remember
Equivalent wording is fine if it describes the same operations in the same order.

Your turn

Question 1

Describe this expression in words.

Check answer

Four times

, minus 7.

Question 2

Describe this expression in words.

Check answer

Double the sum of

and 5.

Question 3

Describe this expression in words.

Check answer

divided by 4.

“A quarter of ” is also correct.

Question 4

Describe this expression in words.

Check answer

Three times the difference between

and 2.

Question 5

Describe this expression in words.

Check answer

The square of

, plus 6.

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