Making sense of key words in word problems to create algebraic expressions can be tough for 8th graders. Language can be tricky, and math terms don’t always mean the same thing for every problem.

1. Understanding Context: Word problems use different words to talk about the same ideas, which can make things confusing. For example, the word “sum” usually means addition. But in a different situation, it might be missed or misread. Students often find it tricky to figure out words that show actions, like “combined with” or “more than.”

2. Common Terms and Their Meanings: Here are some common key terms you might see:

   • Addition: sum, plus, increased by
   • Subtraction: difference, minus, decreased by
   • Multiplication: product, times, of
   • Division: quotient, divided by, per
     These words can help students write expressions, but extra words can make things harder. It’s important to read carefully and think about what each word means.

3. Translating Words to Symbols: After finding key terms, turning those words into algebraic expressions can be a challenge. Many students might feel confused when trying to write something like "three more than twice a number" as (2x + 3).

Even though this can be tough, students can get better by:

• Practice: Regularly working on different problems helps students get used to the language and expressions.
• Guided Exercises: Working through examples with classmates or teachers can help students avoid common mistakes and understand things better.

In the end, finding key terms in word problems can be difficult, but with regular practice and support, students can improve their skills at writing accurate algebraic expressions.