MathsheetsPrintable math worksheets for teachers and families
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Write an Expression for a Situation

Say what the letter stands for first, then build the expression around it.

ExampleEach ticket to the school play costs $3. Ella buys x tickets.
Let x stand for the number of tickets. Write an expression for the total cost, and say what your expression would mean if x = 9. Expression: 3x. The variable x stands for the number of tickets — a quantity that can change, which is exactly why a letter is used instead of a number. If x = 9, the expression gives the total cost when number of tickets is 9.
  1. 1.Each ticket to the school play costs $3. Ella buys x tickets.
    Let x stand for the number of tickets. Write an expression for the total cost, and say what your expression would mean if x = 7.
  2. 2.Sam had 25 stickers and gave away some.
    Let x stand for the number given away. Write an expression for how many stickers are left, and say what your expression would mean if x = 4.
  3. 3.Sam had 39 stickers and gave away some.
    Let x stand for the number given away. Write an expression for how many stickers are left, and say what your expression would mean if x = 3.
  4. 4.A class of 30 students splits into equal teams.
    Let x stand for the number of teams. Write an expression for how many students are in each team, and say what your expression would mean if x = 5.
  5. 5.A class of 36 students splits into equal teams.
    Let x stand for the number of teams. Write an expression for how many students are in each team, and say what your expression would mean if x = 8.