Example

Write an algebraic equation that represents the following problem situation: Four more than the quotient of a number and 6 is 9.

Solution

Let's translate into mathematics going bit to bit.

First we'll use the variable to represent the unknown number described as "a number." It follows that "the quotient of a number and 6" can be written algebraically as

or even better as the fraction

"Four more" than this quantity can be written

Finally, in this context, the word "is" can be translated as is equal to, so the original problem sentence translates to