Write an equation from words

What is an Equation?

An equation is a mathematical sentence that shows two expressions are equal.
It uses an equals sign (=) to connect them.

Example: 3+5=8

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Why Do We Write Equations from Words?

• To represent real-life situations mathematically.
• To make solving problems easier.
• To turn a story problem into a form we can calculate.

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Steps to Write an Equation from Words

• Read the sentence carefully – understand what it says.
• Identify the variable – choose a letter (like xxx) for the unknown number.
• Find keywords – words like “sum”, “difference”, “product”, “quotient”.
• Translate words into math symbols.
• Write the equation.

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Common Keywords and Their Meanings

Keyword / Phrase	Math Symbol
Sum, total, add	+++
Difference, less than, subtract	−-−
Product, times, multiplied by	×\times×
Quotient, divided by	÷\div÷ or /
Is, equals	===

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Examples

• Words: A number plus 7 equals 12.
  Equation: x+7=12
• Words: Twice a number is 18.
  Equation: 2x=18
• Words: The difference between a number and 5 is 9.
  Equation: x−5=9
• Words: The product of a number and 4 is 28.
  Equation: 4x=28
• Words: A number divided by 3 equals 6.
  Equation: x÷3=6

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Practice Questions

Write an equation for each:

• A number increased by 10 is 25.
• Three times a number equals 45.
• The quotient of a number and 8 is 7.
• A number minus 4 equals 16.
• Four more than twice a number is 20.

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Key Points to Remember

• Always define the variable first.
• Look for keywords to decide the operation.
• Keep the equals sign in the correct place.
• Equations are balanced — whatever you do on one side, you do on the other when solving.

Learn with an example

let’s practice!