What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master Translating
English Phrases and Sentences to Mathematical Phrases and Sentences. The scope of this module permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of
students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you
read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module is comprised only of one lesson:

• Translating English phrases and sentences to Mathematical phrases and sentences.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• Translate English phrases and sentences to mathematical phrases and sentences and vice
versa.

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 What I Know

Let us check your prior knowledge about translating English phrases and sentences to mathematical phrases
and sentences. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is the algebraic translation of “twice as large as r”?

A. r + 2
B. 2 + r
C. 2r

D.

2. Which of the following can be an English translation of x - 5y?

A. the sum of x and 5 y
B. the sum of y and 5x
C. the difference of x and 5 y
D. the difference of y and 5x

3. Which of the following refers to “the circumference (C) of a circle is twice the product of π and radius
(r)?”
A. C = 2π + r
B. C = 2r + π
C. C = 2πr

D. C =

4. What is the algebraic expression of “a number more than 23”?

A. n - 23
B. 23 - n
C. n + 23
D. 23 + n

5. Which of the following can be an English translation of 5x?

A. the product of 5 and x
B. the sum of 5 and x
C. the difference of 5 and x
D. the quotient of 5 and x

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6. What is x - 4 in English phrase?
A. x more than 4
B. 4 more than x
C. x less than 4
D. 4 less than x

7. Which of the following mathematical expression represents “5 years ago”?

A. x - 5
B. 5 - x
C. x + 5
D. 5 + x

8. Which of the following mathematical expression represents “10 years from now”?
A. n + 10
B. 10 + n
C. n - 10
D. 10 – n

9. In the phrase “the number is decreased by nine”, what operation is implied?

A. Addition
B. Division
C. Multiplication
D. Subtraction

10. In the phrase “thirteen plus a certain number g”, what operation is suggested?
A. Addition
B. Division
C. Multiplication
D. Subtraction

11. What is the mathematical translation of “five divided by a number x”?

A. 5 + x
B. 5 - x
C. 5x
D. 5/x

12. Which of the following expressions is the correct translation of the verbal phrase “the total of a
number y and negative four”?
A. y - 4

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 B. y – (-4)
C. y + 4
D. y + (-4)

13. What is the mathematical phrase that is the same as “the product of v and eight?”
A. v + 8
B. v - 8
C. 8v
D.

14. The verbal phrase that can be translated as 𝑐 − 4 is _______.

A. “A number c added to four”

B. “A number c divided by four”
C. “A number c multiplied by four”
D. “A number c subtracted from four”

15. The verbal phrase that can be translated as 8a is ________.

A. “The sum of 8 and a number a”

B. “The difference of 8 and a number a”
C. “The product of 8 and a number a.”
D. “The quotient of 8 and a number a”

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Lesson
Translating English Phrases and
1 Sentences into Mathematical Phrases and Sentences

We commonly solve mathematical problems with given numbers by performing various operations. This
belongs to the branch of Mathematics that consists of the study of numbers and their properties and the various
operations known as Arithmetic. But what if we will go further into studying Math where we will generalize facts in
arithmetic? We may use various symbols such as letters, punctuations and operations to find relationships and to
represent unknown quantities without fixed values. This branch of Mathematics is known as Algebra.

The knowledge of Algebra will help us apply mathematical concepts to solving a wide variety of
problems in real life. To start with this, it is important to be equipped in translating simple English/verbal phrases
and sentences into mathematical phrases and sentences, and vice versa. With this, to interpret mathematically
the situation and thereby solve the problem will be easy.

Let’s Begin!

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 What’s In

One of the important aspects in solving problems in algebra is a working knowledge of the ability to
translate the statement in algebraic symbols. Thus, one has to develop this ability in order to represent word
problems into mathematical statement using algebraic symbols.

Activity 1.Guess Rizal!

According from what you learn in History let’s check your prior knowledge in our National Hero, Dr. Jose
Protacio Rizal.Translate the following into Mathematical sentences.Write your answers on your sheet.

1. Rizal’s age is two years less than twice the age of his sister is twenty.
2. Rizal wrote two times the famous books of his works.
3. Rizal’s height is ten centimeters taller than his father’s height is one-hundred fifty-one in centimeters.
4. Rizal score is three times the score of his teammatenis fifteen minus seven.
5. The number of Rizal’s medals is twice his previous count is twenty plus five.
6. Rizal’s final grade is eighty- percent of this total score.
7. The sum’s of Rizal’s age is eighteen add to his sister’s age is twenty-four then is equal to fourthy-two.
8. Rizal’s height is twenty centimeters more than twice his sister’s height which is one-hundred-fourthy-one
in centimeters.
9. Rizal’s total number of books is less than triple the number of books written by his contemporary which
is two.
10. The product of Rizal’s medals is eighteen and add to his sister’s medals is six and the product is equal
to twenty-four.

Activity 2. Represent me!

Let us check your prior knowledge on number sense by giving the number sentence or phrase in order
to represent the following word problems. Write your answer on your answer sheet.

Pepe carries a load of 12 kilograms. He finds it heavy, so he removes a weight of 4 kilograms. What is the weight
of the remaining load?

Number Sentence/Phrase:
___________________________________

Choleng deposits Php 1,500.00 in her savings account. A week after, she decided to add her extra money
amounting to Php 800.00. How much money did she save?

Number Sentence/Phrase:
_____________________________________

A daily newspaper costs Php 15.00 per issue. How much will Mrs. Teodora Alonso Realonda pay for a week’s
supply?

Number Sentence/Phrase:
_____________________________________

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Mr. Francisco Engracio Rizal Mercado y Alejandro has to divide equally the 55 oranges among his 11 children.
How many oranges can each child have?

Number Sentence/Phrase:
_____________________________________

What is It

A knowledge of symbols representing known and unknown quantities alongside with the symbols of
operations and relations will facilitate translation of verbal phrases into mathematical phrases.
Verbal or English phrases refers to mathematical statement that is expressed in words. Once you know
what those words mean, you will be able to write different mathematical expressions. Meanwhile, mathematical
phrases refer to statements expressed in symbols such as letters, numbers and operations.
The symbol of operations and relations with their corresponding meanings are as follows:

Symbol Meaning

+
Addition, plus, increased by, added to, the sum of, more than

-
Subtraction, minus, decreased by, subtracted from, less than, diminished by

x, ● , ( ) multiplication, times, multiplied by, product of

/, ÷ division, divided by, ratio of, quotient of

= equals, is equal to

< is less than

> is greater than

≤ is less than or equal to, is at most

≥ is greater than or equal to, is at least

≠ is not equal to

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 The use of the symbols of operation together with symbols such as letters and numbers will enable us
to translate verbal phrases into mathematical phrases. It is important for us to be able to associate various key
words with their related arithmetic operations. Let us study the following examples below.

Verbal Phrases Mathematical Phrases

1. The sum of a and 3 is written as a+3

2. 8 more than p is written as p+8

3. The square of r is written as r2

4. 6 subtracted from b is written as b–6

5. 4 less than y is written as y–4

6. 4 less y is written as 4–y

7. The product of 5 and c is written as 5c

8. The quotient of m and is written as

8

Study how the following English/verbal phrases are translated into mathematical phrases.

1. thrice x decreased by two

Thrice means 3 times or simply 3x. Then the word “decreased” suggests subtraction operation,
thus we subtract 2 from 3x. Therefore, the translated mathematical phrase is 3x – 2.

2. one-half of the sum of 5 and t

This means that 5 and t are added first, and their sum is multiplied by . Hence, the mathematical
phrase is

3. the sum of the squares of a and b

The squares of a and b are a 2 and b2, respectively. The word sum indicates addition. Thus, the
translated mathematical phrase is a2 + b2.

4. the square of the sum of a and b

The sum of a and b is written as a + b. The required mathematical phrase, which is the square of a
+ b, is written as (a + b)2.
Let us study the following verbal phrases and how to translate them into mathematical phrases.

Mathematical Mathematical
Verbal Phrases Verbal Phrases
Phrases Phrases

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 the sum of m and
m+8 the difference of m and 8 m-8
8

10 added to c c + 10 10 subtracted from c c - 10

7 plus a 7+a 7 minus a 7-a

5 more than t t+5 5 less than t t-5

q increased by p q+p q decreased by p q-p

11 greater than n n + 11 9 take away d 9-d

exceeds r by twenty r + 20 18 reduced by n 18 - n

the product of 8 and m 8m The quotient of 8 and m

10 times c 10c 10 divided by c

twice x 2x The ratio of 7 to a

of p p p split into 4 equal parts

7 multiplied by b 7b x divided into 10

Now, let us consider that r is a certain number used in the following verbal phrases represent as Rizal.
Study the following examples of translating into mathematical phrases.

Verbal Phrases Mathematical Phrases

1. three more than the number r+3

2. twice the number less two 2x – 2

3. square of thrice the number (3r)2

4. 15 decreased by a number 15 – r

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5. a number less than 23 23 – r

6. a number greater than 12 12 + r

7. five years ago r–5

8. ten years from now r + 10

5r + 7
9. seven more than five times a number or
five times a number increased by seven

r(r+1)
10. the product of two consecutive number or seven more than five
times a number

11. 10 added to twice a number 2r + 10

12. a number decreased by five r-5

13. a number multiplied by 7 7r

14. twice a number divided by 3

2a ÷ 3 0r

15. the product of x and the square of y xy2

We can translate some verbal phrases by using mathematical symbols and some basically known
equivalent relationships like formulas. Formulas are equations that state relationships between two quantities.
These formulas can be translated into verbal sentences.
Verbal sentence refers to the mathematical expression which is expressed in words and uses the word
equals, greater than, or less than. Meanwhile, mathematical sentence is a mathematical expression which is
expressed in numbers, letters and symbols such as =, >, or <.
Study how to translate the following formula into verbal sentence.

A = lw
The area A of a rectangle is the product of the length l and the width w of the rectangle

P = 2l + 2 w
The perimeter P of a rectangle is the sum of twice its length l and twice its width w

d = rt The distance d traveled by a moving body is the product of its rate r and the time t
elapsed.

Here are other examples of translating mathematical sentences into verbal sentences.

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Mathematical Sentences Verbal Sentences

x+5=4 The sum of a number and 5 is 4.

2x – 1 = 1 Twice a number decreased by 1 is equal to 1

7 + x = 2x + 3 Seven added by a number x is equal to twice the number increased

by 3.

3x >15 Thrice a number x is greater than 15.

x–2<3 Two less than a number is less than 3.

Now, let us consider translating mathematical phrases into verbal phrases. Recall that the various key
words are associated with the same arithmetic operation. Thus, a mathematical phrase can be a translation of
different verbal phrases. For example, we may write the mathematical phrase x – 1 in several ways, namely:

a. the difference of x and 1

b. 1 subtracted from x

c. x less 1

d. x decreased by 1

e. x minus 1

f. 1 less than x

g. x diminished by 1

Illustrative examples

Translate each mathematical phrase into a verbal phrase.

1 1
a. x+ 1 1 added to of a number x
2
2

b. 5x - 4 4 subtracted from a product of 5 and a number x

c. 3(x + 6) Thrice the sum of a number x and 6

d. x2 - 1 1 subtracted from the square of a number x

The sum of 7 and the quotient when a number is divided by 2

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 x
e. 7 +
2

Activity 3. Rizal’s Mathematical Biography

To deepen understanding of Jose Rizal’s life and achievements by translating information about him
into mathematical expressions and vice versa.
Instructions:
1. Divide the participants into small groups.
2. Provide each group with a set of English sentences related to Jose Rizal’s life and accomplishments.
3. Instruct the groups to translate the given English sentences into mathematical expressions. They should
identify variables, constants, and operations that accurately represent the information in a mathematical
form.
4. Once the groups completed the translation from English to Mathematical expressions, ask them to
share their solutions with the rest of the participants. Encourage discussion and clarification of the
Mathematical representation.
5. Next, provide each group with a set of mathematical expressions related to Rizal or mathematical
problems involving Rizal’s life.
6. Instruct the groups to translate the given mathematical expressions into English sentences. They should
interpret the mathematical expressions and express them in a meaningful English context.
7. Allow the group some time to work on the translations from mathematical expressions to English
sentences.
8. Once the groups have completed the translation from mathematical expressions to mathematical
sentences, ask them to present their solutions to the rest of the participants. Encourage discussions on
the interpretations and connections between mathematical expressions and Rizal’s life.
9. Conclude the activity with a group discussion on the significance of translating Rizal’s life into
mathematical expressions and vice versa. Reflect on the challenges and insights gained from this
exercise.

What I Can Do

Activity 4. Translate Me.

A. Translate the following English/verbal phrases into Mathematical
phrases:

English/verbal Phrase Mathematical Phrase

1. a certain number j added with four ________________________

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 2. the product of a number c and sixteen ________________________

3. the product of three and z more than one ________________________

4. eight is increased by the product of e and f ________________________

________________________
5. a certain number v is divided by seventeen

B. Translate the following mathematical expression in at least two ways.

1. 2(x-3)

a. ________________________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________________________________

2. 3x + 2 = 5

a. _______________________________________________________________

b. _______________________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

Activity 5. Complete Me!

Let us see how far you have learned! Complete the table below by translating English/verbal phrases
and sentences into mathematical phrase and sentences or vice versa.

Verbal Phrase/Sentence Mathematical Phrase/Sentence

1 the ratio of w to six

2 four multiplied by a number x

3 the total of a number z and negative four

17

𝑟
4

5 One-fourth of m plus seven

3
 6 m diminished by six

7 𝑥+𝑦

8 Five less the number d is equal to nine.

9 thirteen diminished by eleven times s

10 𝑏−5

11 the product of the numbers c and d plus one

12 the quotient of x and five

13 Thrice the number b is thirteen

14 𝑎𝑏𝑐
15 twice the sum of x and y

Good job! You did well on this module! Keep going!

Assessment

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the algebraic expression of “a number more than 28”?

A. n + 28
B. 28 - n
C. n - 28
D. 28 + n
2. Which of the following can be an English translation of x - 4y?
A. the sum of x and 4 y
B. the sum of y and 4x
C. the difference of y and 4x
D. the difference of x and 4 y
3. Which of the following can be an English translation of 6x?
A. the difference of 6 and x
B. the sum of 6 and x
C. the product of 6 and x
D. the quotient of 6 and x

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4. What is x - 5 in English phrase?
A. x more than 5
B. 5 less than x
C. x less than 5
D. 5 more than x
5. Which of the following mathematical expression represents “7 years ago”?
A. x + 7
B. 7 - x
C. x - 7
D. 7 + x
6. Which of the following mathematical expression represents “3 years
from now”?
A. n - 3
B. 3 + n
C. n + 3
D. 3 – n
7. In the phrase “the number is decreased by nine”, what operation is
implied?
A. Addition
B. Division
C. Subtraction
D. Multiplication
8. In the phrase “sixteen plus a certain number g”, what operation is
sugested?
A. Addition
B. Division
C. Multiplication
D. Subtraction
9. Which of the following expressions is the correct translation of the verbal phrase “the total of a number y
and negative eight”?
A. y - 8
B. y + (-8)
C. y + 8
D. y – (-8)
10.The verbal phrase that can be translated as 𝑐 − 9 is _______.
A. “A number c subtracted from nine”
B. “A number c divided by niner”

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C. “A number c multiplied by nine”
D. ”A number c added to nine”
11. The verbal phrase that can be translated as 6a is ________.
A. “The sum of 6 and a number a”
B. “The difference of 6 and a number a”
C. “The product of 6 and a number a.”
D. “The quotient of 6 and a number a
12. "Twice a number minus 3 is equal to 9.
A. 2x + 3 = 9
B. 2x - 3 = 9
C. 2x - 3 = 6
D. 2x + 3 = 6
13. What is the sum of x and 5 is 12.
A. x = 7
B. x = 8
C. x = 6
D.x = 10
14. "The sum of a number and 10 is 25."
A. x + 10 = 15
B. x - 10 = 25
C. x + 10 = 25
D. x - 10 = 15
15. What is One-third of a number plus 7 is 15.
A. x = 6
B. x = 18
C/ x = 21
D. x = 24
16."One-fourth of a number plus 5 is 12."
A. x/4+ 5 = 12
B. x/4- 5 = 12
C. x/4 + 5 = 7
D. x/4- 5 = 7
17. The product of a number and 4 is 28.
A. x = 8
B. x = 7
C. x = 6
D. x = 9
18. "The product of a number and 7 is 42.”
A. 7x = 35
B. 7x = 49
C. x + 7 = 42
D. x \times 7 = 42
19. Ten less than a number is 5.
A. x = 15
B. x = 5

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C. x = 10
D. x = 20
20. "Five less than twice a number is 15.”
A. 2x - 5 = 15
B. 5 - 2x = 15
C. 2x + 5 = 15
D. 5 + 2x = 15

Additional Activities

Express the following Mathematical phrases and sentence into English phrases/sentences. To make it
exciting let represent Rizal in your sentences. Have fun!
1. Rizal = x^2 + 3y – z
2. If Rizal > 100, then his influence is significant.
3. Rizal(t+1) = Rizal(t) + contributions - controversies

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 What I know What’s In
1. c Activity 1. Activity 2.
2. c
3. c 1. .R = 2(20) - 2 1. 12-4 = n
4. c 2. R = 2(3) 2. 1,500+800 = n
5. a
6. d 3. R = 151+ 10 3. 15x7 = n
7. a
4. R = 3(15) - 7 4. 16+4 = n
8. a
9. d 5. M = 2(20) + 5 Activity 3.
10. a
11. d 6. F = 0.8R Answer may vary.
12. d 7. .18 + 24 = 42
13. c
14. d 8. 2(141) + 20
15. c
9. .3(2) - 3
10. 18+4 = 24R = 2(20) - 2

What can I do Additional Activity

A. Mathematical to English Translation:
1. j +4 1. Mathematical: Rizal = x^2 + 3y - z English:"Rizal is equal to
the square of x plus three times y minus z."
2. 16c
3. 1+32 2. Mathematical: If Rizal > 100, then his influence is significant.
English: "If Rizal is greater than 100, then his influence is
4. 8+ef significant."
5. v/17
3. Mathematical: Rizal(t+1) = Rizal(t) + contributions -
controversies
English: "Rizal at time t+1 is equal to Rizal at time t plus
B. contributions minus controversies."
Some possible answer:
1. 2 (x-3)
a. The difference of a number x
and three is multiplied by two.
b. Twice the difference of a
number x and three.
2. 3x+2=5
a. Thrice a number x increased
by two is five.
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b. Two more than thrice a
number x is equal to five.
What I Have Learned Assessment
English Phrase/Sentence Mathematical Phrase/Sentence 1. A
1. The ratio of w to six w/6 or w:6 2. D
2. Four multiplied by a number x 4x 3. C
3. The total of a number z and z+ (-4) 4. B
negative four 5. C
4. The quotient of seventeen and r;
6. C
seventeen divided by r; the ratio 17/r
of seventeen to r 7. C
5. One-fourth of m plus seven ¼ m+7 or (1/4) m+7 8. A
9. B
6. m diminished by six m-6
10. A
7.The sum of x and y; x plus y; y is x+y
11. C
added to x
12. B
8. Five less the number d is equal to nine. 5-a=6
13. A
9. Thirteen diminished by eleven times s 13-11s
14. C
10. The number b decreased by 5; b-5
15. B
b less 5; b diminished by 5
16 .A
11. The product of the numbers c cd+1
17. A
and d plus one
18. D
12. The quotient of x and five x/5 or x÷5
19. C
13. Thrice the number b is thirteen 3b=13
20. A
14. The product of a, b and c; abc
multiplied a,b and c
15. Twice the sum of x and y 2 (x+y)

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 References

Malvar, Michael B.,et.al 2014.Simplified-Math 7.SalinlahiPublishing,Corp.ISBN 978-971-9917-83-0

https;//depedtambayan.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Math7_Quarter2_Module3

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