Try to break the equation into smaller parts and translate those parts individually before bringing them back together.
Example Solution: A number divided by 4 plus 8 is equal to negative 16.
Practice makes perfect
Every equation has an equals sign and then values or expressions on either side of the equals sign. The given equation is no different, so let's begin our translation using phrases such as " is," " is equal to," or " equals" to express equality.
x/4+8 = -16
x/4+8 is equal to-16
Now, to translate the left- and right-hand side of this equation, let's break down the expressions and verbally express the individual terms and factors.
Algebraic Term
Verbal Translation
x/4
A number divided by 4
+
plus
8
8
=
is equal to
-16
negative16
A number divided by 4 plus 8 is equal to negative 16.
Note that because there are often several ways to express certain mathematical operations, our answer is only one of many correct ways to verbally express this equation.
