Example

Translating 'the difference of two times xx and 88' versus 'two times the difference of xx and 88'

When translating phrases involving the word "difference" and another operation, the wording determines the structure of the algebraic expression:

(a) "The difference of two times xx and 88": The keyword difference indicates subtraction as the primary operation, and the terms to be subtracted are "two times xx" (which is 2x2x) and 88. The resulting expression is 2x82x - 8.

(b) "Two times the difference of xx and 88": Here, the word times indicates that 22 is multiplied by the entire difference. To ensure the subtraction happens first, the difference must be enclosed in parentheses. The expression is 2(x8)2(x - 8).

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Updated 2026-03-15

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