Example Solution: The sum of the number 12 and a number a
Practice makes perfect
Our approach to representing the given algebraic expression verbally will be to break it down into terms and operation.
12 + aWhen finding a word phrase for an expression we will start with the operation. In this expression, one term is being added to another term. Therefore, the operation can be referred to as a sum.
Algebraic Term
Verbal Translation
+
The sum of
12
the number 12
a
a number a
Now that we have translated each of the pieces, let's bring it all together.
12 + a
The sum of the number12 and a numbera
Please note that it is often possible to express the same algebraic operations multiple ways, so our translation is only one of multiple possible correct translations.
