Question

How do you write an algebraic expression that models the word phrase "6 times a number increased by 3"?

Answer 1

The expression could be written as `6q+3`. (see the explanation below)

Explanation:

We can choose whatever pronumeral we like - a letter to stand for a number. We most often choose `x`, but we don't have to. Let's choose `q`, just for fun.

The expression is simply `6q+3`.

Well, it would be simple, but the question is not very clear: does it mean "take 6 times the number and increase the result by 3"? That's the expression written above.

Or does it mean "take 6 times the number after it has been increased by 3"? If so, the brackets would make that order clear:

The expression would be `6(q+3)`.