Writing algebraic expressions, step by step

“7 less than a number n” is n − 7, and almost every mark lost on this topic is the other one.

The question

Which expression is "7 more than a number y"?

Read it in order, then say which way round

y= a number
adding
y + 7
  1. The phrase is "7 more than a number y". The letter y is the number nobody has told us; everything else in the phrase says what to do to it.
  2. The words say we are adding.
  3. "more than" makes 7 bigger, so 7 is what is added to.

How it works.

  1. 01

    The phrase is "7 more than a number y". The letter y is the number nobody has told us; everything else in the phrase says what to do to it.

  2. 02

    The words say we are adding.

  3. 03

    "more than" makes 7 bigger, so 7 is what is added to.