Translating Expressions

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

• What does it mean to translate expressions?

Think of translating between two languages. The Spanish expression Tengo un perro translates to the English expression I have a dog.

You can translate expressions in math also!

For example, look at this expression written in words.

82 minus the sum of 13 and 24

You can translate this statement into a mathematical expression.

You know which symbol to use for minus, and you also know sum means you will be adding.

82 - 13 + 24

• Is this expression translated correctly?

No! According to this incorrect translation, you would follow the order of operations and first calculate 82-13, then add 24.

This is not what the written expression asks you to do. You are supposed to take 82 - (the sum).

The correct translated expression is below.

82 - (13 + 24)

Now, according to the order of operations, you would first add inside the parentheses and then subtract that amount from 82.

Parentheses are very important when translating mathematical expressions!

Translate another expression!

Look at the written expression below.

5 times as large as the difference of 64 and 11

Now, translate the expression into a mathematical expression.

• What is the first thing this expression will want you to calculate?
• The difference or the times?

The difference will be evaluated first so it will be in parentheses. You also know that difference means the answer to a subtraction problem.

(64 - 11)

That’s one part of the expression translated!

The last part is 5 times as large as the difference. Well, you know the difference now, so show what 5 times that difference will look like.

5 x (64 - 11)

• Is translating expressions starting to make sense to you?

If you need to review the order of operations or definitions of mathematical words, check out the Additional Resource found in the right-hand sidebar.

Look at even more examples of translating expressions!

Click on each to see its translation.

Answer the following out loud.

• What does half mean?

• What is a quotient?

• What is a product?

• How can and help you translate expressions?

• What would happen if you forgot or put parentheses incorrectly?

If you need more help understanding how to translate mathematical expressions, check out the video below.

When you are ready, click next to visit the Got It? section to practice translating expressions on your own!

You can help Sierra finish her grocery list after practicing!