Example

Translating 'eight times the sum of xx and yy' versus 'the sum of eight times xx and yy'

When an English phrase contains multiple operation keywords, the order of the words determines whether grouping symbols like parentheses are needed.

(a) "Eight times the sum of xx and yy": The word times signals multiplication and sum signals addition. Because we are multiplying 88 by the entire sum, parentheses must enclose x+yx + y to force the addition to be determined first according to the order of operations. The expression is 8(x+y)8(x + y).

(b) "The sum of eight times xx and yy": Here, sum is the main operation, and the words of and and identify what is being added: "eight times xx" (which is 8x8x) and yy. No parentheses are needed. The expression is 8x+y8x + y.

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Updated 2026-03-15

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