Pre-Algebra Keywords and Phrases

This comprehensive guide outlines essential keywords and phrases used in pre-algebra, categorized by mathematical operations. Understanding these terms is crucial for solving addition and subtraction equations as well as more complex algebraic problems.

Addition and Subtraction Keywords

The guide begins by listing terms associated with addition and subtraction operations. These keywords are vital for recognizing when to perform these operations in word problems.

Vocabulary:

• Addition keywords: increased by, sum, added to, plus, total, combine, more, more than
• Subtraction keywords: decreased by, difference, minus, fewer, reduce, less, less than, subtracted from

Example: In a word problem, phrases like "increased by" or "more than" indicate addition, while "decreased by" or "less than" suggest subtraction.

Multiplication and Division Terms

The next section covers terms related to multiplication and division, which are fundamental for pre-algebra multiplication division terms.

Vocabulary:

• Multiplication keywords: times, product, double, triple, quadruple, of (sometimes)
• Division keywords: quotient, divided by, split, half, shared equally, over

Highlight: The term "of" can sometimes indicate multiplication, as in "3 of 5" meaning 3 × 5.

Powers and Grouping Words

The guide also introduces terms related to exponents and grouping, which are essential for understanding more complex algebraic expressions.

Vocabulary:

• Power keywords: exponent, squared, cubed, raised to the...
• Grouping keywords: quantity, the sum of, the product of, the difference of

Definition: An exponent indicates how many times a number is multiplied by itself. For example, "squared" means raised to the power of 2.

Turn Around Words and Equality

The guide highlights words that may require rearranging terms in an equation and terms indicating equality.

Vocabulary:

• Turn around words: more than, less than, subtracted from, taken from
• Equality words: is, are, is equal to, result, gives us, yields, will be

Example: In the phrase "5 less than x," the order needs to be turned around to "x - 5" when writing the algebraic expression.

Additional Concepts

The guide concludes with some additional important concepts in pre-algebra.

Highlight:

• "A number" typically represents a variable in algebraic expressions.
• Absolute value is represented by vertical bars | |.
• Fractional parts of numbers can be represented as decimals or fractions (e.g., "one-fourth a number" can be written as 0.25x or ¼x).
• The square root symbol is √, and the cube root uses a similar symbol with a small 3.

This comprehensive list of keywords and phrases serves as an excellent reference for students learning pre-algebra addition subtraction keywords and other fundamental algebraic concepts. It aids in translating word problems into mathematical expressions and equations, which is a crucial skill in algebra and higher mathematics.