Writing Expressions from Word Problems
Instructions: Write an algebraic expression for each word problem. Use the variable given in brackets.
1. Sarah has some marbles. Her friend gives her 12 more marbles. (Let m = number of marbles Sarah starts with)
Expression: _______________________________
2. A pencil costs $2 each. (Let n = number of pencils purchased)
Expression: _______________________________
3. James has 25 cookies and he eats some of them. (Let c = number of cookies eaten)
Expression: _______________________________
4. A number is divided by 5. (Let x = the number)
Expression: _______________________________
5. Triple the number of books on the shelf. (Let b = number of books)
Expression: _______________________________
6. Ten less than a number. (Let y = the number)
Expression: _______________________________
7. The total cost of buying apples at $3 per kilogram. (Let k = kilograms of apples)
Expression: _______________________________
8. Sam's age in 7 years' time. (Let a = Sam's current age)
Expression: _______________________________
9. Half the number of students in the class. (Let s = number of students)
Expression: _______________________________
10. The sum of a number and 15. (Let p = the number)
Expression: _______________________________
11. Eight times a number, decreased by 3. (Let n = the number)
Expression: _______________________________
12. The perimeter of a square. (Let L = length of one side)
Expression: _______________________________
13. A bus has 42 seats. Some seats are taken. (Let t = number of seats taken)
Expression for seats available: _______________________________
14. The total cost of a concert ticket at $45 each, plus a $5 booking fee. (Let d = number of tickets)
Expression: _______________________________