Write an expression for an unknown quantity in a problem
Let the letter stand for the unknown number. Follow the story step by step, and write one expression with that letter.
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Lena has 5 pencils. Lena gets some more. Let n be the number of pencils Lena gets. Write an expression for how many pencils Lena has now. Write the part with the letter first.
Answer: n + 5
Diego is 12 years older than a cousin. Let x be the cousin's age in years. Write an expression for Diego's age in years. Write the part with the letter first.
Answer: x + 12
Sam has some stickers and gives away 3 of them. Let y be the number of stickers Sam starts with. Write an expression for how many stickers Sam has left.
Answer: y − 3
Tip: Let the letter stand for the unknown number. Follow the story step by step, and write one expression with that letter.
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