Using Letters to Represent Unknown Values

Author:Karen Morrison & Nick Hamshaw
Upper Secondary: IGCSE
IMPORTANT

Using Letters to Represent Unknown Values: Overview

In this topic, we learn how to write a word problem in algebraic form. It explains the method of interpreting letters for writing algebraic expressions. Then, we will proceed to sharpen our skills using several examples.

Important Questions on Using Letters to Represent Unknown Values

EASY
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Let the unknown number be x. Write expressions for:

the fraction obtained when double the unknown number is divided by the sum of the unknown number and four.

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Let the unknown number be x. Write expressions for:

a number which is twice x more than x.

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Let the unknown number be x. Write expressions for:

If the sum of the unknown number and its square is x+xk find k.

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Let the unknown number be x. Write expressions for:

the sum of -8 and x.

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Let the unknown number be m. Write expression for :

four times the unknown number less twice the number.

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Let the unknown number be m. Write expression for :

a third of the unknown number plus three

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Let the unknown number be m

If the cube of unknown number is mk. Find k

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Let the unknown number be m. Write expression for :

the difference between 25 and the unknown number.

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Let the unknown number be m. Write expression for :

a number that will exceed the unknown number by five

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Let the unknown number be m. Write expression for :

the sum of the unknown number and 13