If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

## Pre-algebra

### Course: Pre-algebra>Unit 6

Lesson 6: Writing algebraic expressions introduction

# Writing expressions with variables

Learn to write expressions for more challenging phrases like "8 less than the product of 7 and x."
Khan Academy video wrapper
Writing expressions with variablesSee video transcript

## Now, let's practice!

Question 1
Write an expression that means "eight less than the product of seven and x".

Question 2
Write an expression that means "the sum of six and the product of three and d".

## Want to join the conversation?

• Why would adding and multiplying variables be helpful in every day life
• If you're short on money, walking around a grocery store, you sometimes have to add the food items together and multiplying the sum with the sales tax to see if you can afford them all.
• How do you know what part to put first or last? It isn't specified.
• You may put it in any order, but I would recommend that you write the expression with whatever comes first.
What I mean by that is this:
Suppose you have to write an expression from this description:
six added to the product of 4 and y
You can write it like this:
4y + 6
Or like this:
6 + 4y
Unless it is subtraction, you can write it in any order you choose. I like how the first answer sounds, but I would prefer the second answer because it is in the order that the question is written in, to double-check my work. But yes, you can do it any way you wish.
• what does it mean by eight less?
• Eight less than a number means 8 subtracted from the number. So 8 less than x means x-8 (but not 8-x).
• You would do if it says 8 less than 10 then put it at the end like 10+8 or 6 more than 7 then 7+6
• What if you get confused in the negative sign and the subtraction sign?
• How do you do it it’s very hard😩
• what are you confused on? What part of the math?
• I also agree with him but we do have hints still if needed sometimes if we are stuck.
• is math boring if it is up vote if it is not down vote