Grade

MATHEMATICS
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 2
MELC 4 & 5

TERMINOLOGIES AND CONCEPTS

ON ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS
PART I.
MELC 4: Translates English Phrases to Mathematical Phrases and English Sentences to
Mathematical Sentences, and Vice Versa

A. Introduction and Discussion

This module deals with the fourth and fifth learning competencies in our Mathematics 7 curriculum
standards; hence mastery of the skills is significant to have a smooth progress in the next lesson. It is
designed to help grade 7 students understand and master the language of Algebra composed of numerals,
letters or variables to represent unknown numbers and symbols or signs.
This learning material provides the students with set of activities that will help them understand how
to translate English phrases to mathematical phrases and English sentences to mathematical sentences,
and vice versa.

Points to Remember
In translating English phrases into mathematical phrases or expressions and English sentences into
mathematical sentences, it is important to identify the key words and the operation it translates to.
1. Addition indicates an increase, putting together, or combining. Thus, phrases like increased by, added
to, the sum of, more than, plus are addition phrases. In symbol, +
2. Subtraction indicates lessening or diminishing action. Thus, phrases like decreased by, less, less than,
diminished by, difference of, subtracted from, minus are subtraction phrases. In symbol, –
3. Multiplication indicates multiplying action. Phrases like multiplied by, times, multiplied to, the product of
are multiplication phrases. In symbol, •, x, ()
4. Division indicates partitioning, a quotient, and a ratio. Phrases such as divided by, ratio of, and quotient
of are for division. In symbol, ÷, /
5. Symbols of relationship such as =, <, >, ≤, ≥, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ≠ denote mathematical sentences.
Mathematical
Symbol Read as Sentences English Sentences
= is equal to, equals, is 𝑥= 2  A number x is equal to 2.
< is less than 𝑥 <2  A number 𝑥 is less than 2.
> is greater than 𝑥 >2  A number 𝑥 is greater than 2.
is less than or equal  A number 𝑥 is less than or equal to 2.
< to, is at most 𝑥 <2  A number 𝑥 is at most 2.
is greater than or
> equal to, is at least 𝑥 >2  A number 𝑥 is greater than or equal to 2.
 A number 𝑥 is at least 2.
≠ is not equal to 𝑥≠ 2  A number 𝑥 is not equal to 2.

B. Illustrative Examples
Example 1. Translate each into mathematical phrase. Let 𝑛 represents a certain number.
a. a number increased by 7 c. 6 more than a number
b. a number diminished by 2 d. 3 subtracted from a number
Solution
English Phrases Keywords / Translation Mathematical Phrases
a number increased by 7 increased by + 𝑛 +7
a number diminished by 2 diminished by - 𝑛 –2
6 more than a number more than + 𝑛 +6
3 subtracted from a number subtracted from - 𝑛 -3

Example 2. Below are some English phrases leading to mathematical phrases with multiplication and
division.
English Key words Mathematical English Key words Mathematical
Phrases Phrases Phrases Phrases
the product of product of 3𝑥 the quotient of 3 quotient of 3
3 and 𝑥 and 𝑥 𝑥
12 times 𝑚 times 12𝑚 12 divided by 𝑚 divided by 12
𝑚
twice 𝑝 times 2𝑝 the ratio of 𝑎 to 7 ratio of 𝑎
7
5 times the times and 5(𝑥 – 7 ) thrice 𝑥 divided divided by 3𝑥
difference of 𝑥 difference by the sum of 𝑎 and 𝑎+2
and 7 and 2 sum of
Note:
 The multiplication sign (𝑥) is seldom used in algebra since it could be mistaken for the letter x. Thus, if
we wish to express the idea of 3 times a number 𝑛, we can do this in any of the following ways:
3∙𝑛 or 3(𝑛) or 3𝑛
Instead of expressing it as 3𝑥𝑛

 For two numbers, parentheses are often preferred over a raised dot, which may be confused with a
decimal. Thus, 8 𝑥 4 is expressed as 8(4).

 The division symbol (÷) is rarely used in algebra. More often we use the fraction bar. Thus, for 𝑎 ÷ 𝑏, we
write 𝑎 .
𝑏

Example 3. Write two English phrases for each expression.

a. 𝑛 + 8 b. 9 – 𝑛 c. 11 𝑟 d. 𝑥 e. 2(𝑚 + 15)
4

Solution
Mathematical Keyword English Phrases
Phrases
𝑛+ 8 plus 𝑛 increased by 8 or 8 more than 𝑛
9–𝑛 minus 9 decreased by 𝑛 or 𝑛 less than 9
11 𝑟 times 11 times 𝑟 or the product of 11 and 𝑟
𝑥 divide 𝑥 divided by 4 or the quotient of 𝑥 and 4
4
2(𝑚 + 15) times and 2 times the sum of 𝑚 and 15 or
plus twice the sum of 𝑚 and 15

Example 4. Let us translate English sentences to mathematical sentences. Consider the following
examples.
English Sentences Mathematical Sentences
a. The sum of a number 𝑛 and seven equals twenty. 𝑛 + 7 = 20
 b. Twice a number 𝑏 subtracted from nine is 15. 9 – 2𝑏 = 15
c. The square of 𝑚 divided by 4 is less than 5. 𝑚² < 5
4
d. 5 times the sum of 𝑥 and 𝑦 is at least 30 5(𝑥 + 𝑦) ≥ 30
e. The cube of the difference of 𝑎 and 𝑏 is at most 12 (𝑎 − 𝑏 )³ ≤ 12

Key Ideas:
To translate English phrases/sentences to mathematical phrases/sentences
 Read and understand the given English phrase/sentence.
 Identify the keywords and the operation it translates to.
 Transform it to mathematical phrase/sentence.

MELC 5: Illustrates and Differentiates Related Terms in Algebra:

a. an where n is a positive integer
b. constants and variables
c. literal coefficients and numerical coefficients
d. algebraic expressions, terms and polynomials
e. number of terms, degree of the term and degree of the polynomial

A. Introduction and Discussion

The branch of Mathematics that involves expressions with variables is called Algebra. The result of
combining numbers and variables with ordinary operations of arithmetic is called an algebraic expression
or simply an expression. The mathematical phrases in Lesson 1 are examples of algebraic expressions.

Points to Remember
Terms Definition and Examples

Algebraic  is a combination of numbers and letters with signs of operations and/or grouping
Expression symbols.
Examples:
7ab3c, 4x2 – 5, 2a + 3b -4, 5(m + 9)
Constant  is a number, letter, or symbol with fixed value.
Example:
In the algebraic expression 4x2 – 5, the constants are 4 and -5

Variable  is any letter or symbol that may change its value in a particular problem or
discussion.
Example:
In the algebraic expression 2a + 3b – 4, the variables are a, b and c
Term  is a constant, a variable, or a product or a quotient of constants and variables.
Terms are separated by the symbols + and –.
In the algebraic expression 4x2y + 8xy3 – 7xy – 3, the + and – signs separate the
algebraic expression into four terms. The first term is 4x2y, the second term is 8xy3, the
third term is –7xy, and the fourth term is –3, which is also referred to as a
constant term.
 Note: the minus sign is part of the term.
Numerical The number part of each term is called the numerical coefficient or simply
coefficient coefficient while the variable or variables together with the exponent is/are called the
literal coefficient/s.
For the term 3x2y, the numerical coefficient is 3 and the literal coefficient is x2y.
Can you give the numerical and literal coefficients of the terms 8xy3 and –7xy?
In 8xy3, the numerical coefficient or simply coefficient is 8 and the literal coefficient
is xy3 while in –7xy, the coefficient is –7 and the literal coefficient is xy
 is a coefficient that is a number. If we say “the coefficient of a term, it is understood
to mean the numerical coefficient of the term.
Note: If the numerical coefficient is not written, it is understood that the coefficient is 1.
Literal
For instance, in x2y, the numerical coefficient is 1.
coefficient
 is a coefficient that is a letter or product of letters.
Exponent  is a symbol or a number at the upper right-hand corner of a variable, constant or
expression. It indicates the number of times the variable, constant or expression is
used as a factor. The variable, constant or expression on which the exponent is
applied is called the base.
 In
exponent
base 𝒂𝒏, where n is a positive integer
The expression 2•2•2•2 can be written as 24. In 24, 2 is the base and 4 is the
exponent. Similarly, 𝑥 • 𝑥 • 𝑥 • 𝑥 • 𝑥 can be written as 𝑥 5. The variable 𝑥 is the base
and the number 5 is the exponent.
An exponent of 1 can be omitted in a term such as 2a, 3bc and -5d
which means 2a1, 3b1c1 and -5d1, respectively.
The terms 42, 23 and x5 are called powers and read as follows
42 four to the second power or four squared
3
2 two to the third power or two cubed
5
𝑥 𝑥 to the fifth power or 𝑥 to the fifth
Polynomial  is an algebraic expression that represents a sum of one or more terms containing
a whole number exponents on the variables.
Examples:
5, 10a2bc, 4x+5, 9x2 – 6x + 8, 5x + 4y – 7z
Remember: An algebraic expression is a polynomial if
a. the exponent of the variable is a whole number.
b. there is/are NO variable/s under the radical symbol,√ .
c. there is/are NO variable/s in the denominator.
Example. Tell whether each expression is a polynomial or not.
𝑥2
a. 9x2 – 4x + 1 b. 2x-3 + x – 6 c. d. x2 – √3
𝑥+2
Solution:
a. Yes
b. No. The first term has a negative exponent on a variable base
c. No. There is a variable in the denominator.
d. Yes.
Now, we will classify polynomial according to the number of its terms.
Examples:
Expressions 1st term 2nd term 3rd term

Monomial

−𝟕𝒂𝒃𝟑𝒄𝟐 −7𝑎𝑏3𝑐2 These are called monomials because there

is only one term in each of the algebraic
𝟓𝒙𝟑 5𝑥3 expressions.

Binomial

−𝟐𝒙𝟐𝒚 + 𝒙𝒚𝟐 −2𝑥2𝑦 𝑥𝑦2 These are called binomials because the
algebraic expressions consist of two terms.
𝟑𝒙 + 𝒚 3𝑥 𝑦

Trinomial
.
−𝟕𝒂𝟐 − 𝟒𝒂𝒃 + 𝟑𝒃𝟐 −7𝑎2 −4𝑎𝑏 3𝑏2 These are called trinomials because the
algebraic expressions contain three terms.
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏 𝑥2 2𝑥 −1

Classifying Polynomials based on the number of terms:

 A polynomial with one term is called a monomial

 A polynomial with two terms is called a binomial.
 A polynomial with three terms is called a trinomial.

Note: A polynomial with more than three terms has no special name. It is referred to as polynomial in
general.
We can also classify polynomials using their degree. The degree of a monomial in one variable is the
number of times the variable occurs as a factor in the monomial. For example, -10m2 is of degree 2 in m.
The degree of a monomial is the total number of times its variables occur as factors or the sum of the
exponents of its variables. For example, 8m2np3, is of degree 2 in m, 1 in n, and 3 in p. Thus, the degree of
8m2np3 is 2+1+3, or 6. The degree of any nonzero constant monomial is 0.
The degree of a polynomial is the same as that of its highest degree term.
For example, in 9x3 – 7x + 5, 9x3 has degree 3, –7x has degree 1, and 5 has degree 0. Thus, the degree of
9x3 – 7x + 5 is 3.
In the polynomial 6a2bc3 + 12ab3c6 – 2a3b2c4, 6a2bc3 has degree 2+1+3, or 6
12ab3c6 has degree 1+3+6, or 10 and
– 2a3b2c4 has degree 3+2+4, or 9

Thus, the degree of the polynomial 6a2bc3 + 12ab3c6 – 2a3b2c4 is 10.

Kinds of Polynomial According to its Degree

Classifications/Kinds Meaning/Definition Example

Constant a polynomial of degree zero 3

Linear a polynomial of degree one 𝑥+3

Quadratic a polynomial of degree two 𝑥2 − 𝑥 + 3

Cubic a polynomial of degree three 2𝑥3 − 4𝑥2 + 3

Quartic a polynomial of degree four 𝑥4 − 3𝑥 + 3

Quintic a polynomial of degree five 2𝑥5 − 4𝑥4 − 2𝑥3 + 4

Remember

The degree of a term that has only one variable is the exponent of that
variable.

The degree of a polynomial that has only one variable is the highest
power appearing in any of the term.

The degree of a term that has more than one variable is the sum of the
exponents of the variables

The degree of a polynomial in more than one variable is the highest sum
of the exponents of the variables in any of the terms.

Key Ideas:

Algebraic expression is a statement containing one or more terms connected by plus or minus
signs.

Term is either a single number or a letter or the product of several numbers and letters.

Constant is a number, letter, or symbol whose value is fixed.

Variable is any letter or symbol that may change its value in a particular problem or discussion.

Numerical Coefficient is the number in an algebraic term.

Literal Coefficient is a letter or product of letters.

Exponent is a symbol or a number at the upper right-hand corner of a variable, constant or

expression.

Base is a number, a letter, or an expression which an exponent is raised.

Polynomial is an algebraic expression that represents a sum of one or more terms containing a
whole number exponents on the variables.

Monomial is a polynomial that contains one term.

Binomial is a polynomial that contains two terms.

Trinomial is a polynomial that containe three terms.

Part II: Activities
Activity I.
A. Match the English phrase/sentence with the mathematical phrase/sentence.
5𝑥
1. a number 𝑥 increased by eight a.
6
2. twice the product of three and a number 𝑛 b. 2(3𝑛)
3. one subtracted from four times a number 𝑛 c. 3𝑥 − 2
4. the ratio of five times a number 𝑥 and six d. 4𝑛 − 1
5. two less than the product of three and 𝑥 e. 𝑥 + 8
6. twice the sum of a number 𝑛 and nine, diminished by four f. 2 < 3𝑥
7. Thrice a number 𝑥 plus one is equal to eleven. g. 2(𝑛 + 9) − 4
8. The square of 𝑥 plus eleven is greater than seven. h. 3𝑥 + 1 = 11
9. Five times a number 𝑥 minus two is at most eight. i. 𝑥³ − 11 < 7
10. The cube of 𝑥 minus eleven is less than seven. j. 5𝑥 − 2 ≤ 8
k. 𝑥² + 11 > 7
B. Translate the following to verbal phrase or sentence.
1. 3+𝑥
2. 𝑥−5
𝑥−3
3.
7
4. 10 + 𝑚 = 14
5. 12 − 𝑚 ≥ 9

Activity II.

A. Identify the constant/s and variable/s in each algebraic

expression.
Constant/s Variable/s
1. 11m
2. –3x2 + 5
3. 10a – 4b + 1
4. 21m2 + 15n
5. a + 2b + 3c

B. Assume that a, b, c, x and y represent real numbers. Write each

expression in exponential form
1. 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑏
2. 5 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦 ∙ 𝑦 ∙ 𝑦
3. −16 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦 ∙ 𝑦 ∙ 𝑦 ∙ 𝑦
4. (−2 ∙ 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑏) − (5 ∙ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑐)
5. (𝑥 + 𝑦) ∙ (𝑥 + 𝑦) ∙ (𝑥 + 𝑦)

∙
C. Identify the numerical coefficient and the literal coefficient of
each algebraic expression.
Numerical Coefficient Literal Coefficient
1. 6a
2. abc
3. –17xy
4. – x2y2
5. 12m3n2p

D. Determine whether each expression is a polynomial or not. If

it is a polynomial, identify as monomial, binomial, or
trinomial and give its corresponding degree. If otherwise,
write No.
1. -34
1
2.
𝑥
3. 5 + 4x
4. x2 + 2xy+ y2
5. 7a5b4 + 3a3b2 – 8ab
Key Answer

Activity I Activity II

References
Bernabe, J. G. (2009). Elementary Algebra. Quezon City: SD Publications, Inc.
Chua, S. L., Sy Tan, J. L., & Del Mundo, A. D. (2004). Understanding Elementary Algebra I.
Quezon City: SIBS Publishing House, Inc.
Oronce, O. A., & Mendoza, M. O. (2012). e-Math 7 (K to 12). Manila: Rex Bookstore,Inc.
Magtagñob, I M. G. (2013). Global Mathematics 7 (K to 12). Quezon City: The Library Publishing
House Inc.
 PART III - Assessment
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer and at the back page write your solution.

1. The words “diminished by” signify what operation?

A. addition B. subtraction C. multiplication D. division
2. What is the equivalent expression of “the sum of a number x and two “?
A. 𝑥 + 2 B. 2 − 𝑥 C. 2x D. 2𝑥
3. The phrase “12 less than a number y” when translated to Mathematical expression is .
A. 12 < 𝑦 B. 12 − 𝑦 C. 𝑦 − 12 D. 𝑦 + 12
4. Which of the mathematical sentence below represents “The product of 5 and a number d is 10 “?
5
A. 5 + d = 10 B. d – 5 = 10 C. = 10 D. 5d = 10
𝑑
5. The sentence “The difference of thrice a number m and seven is at most 9” when translated to
mathematical sentence is .
A. 3𝑚 + 7 = B. 3𝑚 − 7 > 9 C. 3𝑚 − 7 ≤ 9 D. 3𝑚 − 7 ≥ 9
6. The expression, 2y – 8 when translated to English phrase is .
A. twice a number y less than 8 C. twice a number y diminished by 8
B. twice a number y increased by 8 D. the product of twice a number y and 8
7. The mathematical sentence 5(𝑚 + 7) = 18 when translated to English sentence is .
A. 5 times the sum of 𝑚 and 7 equals 18. C. The product of 5m and 7 equals 18.
B. 5 times the difference of 𝑚 and 7 is 18. D. 5 times 𝑚 plus 7 is equal to 18.
8. The mathematical sentence 3𝑎 + 4 ≤ 25 when translated to English sentence is .
A. The sum of thrice a number 𝑎 and 4 is less than or equal to 25.
B. Thrice the sum of 𝑎 and 4 is less than or equal to 25.
C. The sum of thrice a number 𝑎 and 4 is at least 25.
D. Thrice the sum of 𝑎 and 4 is at least 25.
9. Which of the following refers to a number or a symbol with fixed value?
A. coefficient B. constant C. exponent D. variable
10. What is the exponential form of 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 ∙ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑐 ∙ 𝑐?
A. (𝑎2𝑏𝑐)4 B. (𝑎𝑏𝑐)7 C. 2𝑎𝑏𝑐4 D.) 𝑎2𝑏𝑐4
11. In the algebraic expression 25m3p, what is the coefficient of the term?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 5 D. 25
12. In the algebraic expression, x2 – 3x + 4, what is the literal coefficient of the second term?
A. –3 B. –1 C. x2 D. x
13. Which of the following is NOT a polynomial?
A. –1 B. 2𝑚−3 C. 𝑚 − 3 D. 𝑚2 − 3𝑚 − 1
14. How many terms does the polynomial x yz + 2xy z – 3xyz + 7 have?
2 2

A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 7
15. What do you call an algebraic expression with only one term?
A. monomial B. binomial C. trinomial D. polynomial
16. How will you classify 4m3n2 + 8m2n3 – mn according to its number of terms?
A. monomial B. binomial C. trinomial D. polynomial
17. What is the degree of the polynomial 7x4 + 3x2 + 6x5 – 10x + 14?
A. 14 B. 7 C. 5 D. 4
18. What is the degree of the polynomial 8c3d2e + 5cd3e5 – 12c3d4e3?
A. 10 B. 9 C. 6 D. 5
19. How will you classify a polynomial 9𝑥³ − 6𝑥² + 11𝑥 − 4 according to its degree?
A. linear B. quadratic C. cubic D. quartic
20. What kind of polynomial is 3x + 9 according to its degree?
A. linear B. quadratic C. cubic D. quartic