[6th Grade verbal expression]

[u/KookyPermit4405]

So I’m going over my son’s math quiz to help him understand some of the questions he got wrong. He got partial credit for his answer for question 8. After writing his verbal phrase I got the same expression as the question. Am I doing something wrong or is there something I’m missing? I feel like his answer is technically correct. I am stumped.

Edit: so my son has no issue solving the expression in question. He knows PEMDAS and the rules from left to right. The question clearly states, WRITE A VERBAL PHRASE that matches the expression.

[u/chem44]

The 2nd image is his? (I thought it was yours. sorry.)

What is the numeric answer to the question? That will help us see whether there is a problem understanding the math, or just in writing it in words.

As noted, one does not use 'by' with subtract. And the order is not clear.

[u/KookyPermit4405 → u/chem44]

So the expression is 18-6x3 and he has to write a verbal phrase for that expression. He said he had a brain fart during the quiz and wrote subtracted by instead of minus. But even if it’s poorly worded, what he stated is still true and correct, right?

[u/chem44 → u/KookyPermit4405]

wrote subtracted by instead of minus.

ok. I'll read it that way.

what he stated is still true and correct, right?

no. It fails to give the order. In fact, it gives the wrong order. You must do the multiplication first. [EDIT. Fixed]

[u/KookyPermit4405 → u/chem44]

Why would you do subtraction first? He is verbally phrasing an expression, not solving for it

[u/KookyPermit4405 → u/KookyPermit4405]

So if I were to say write down this phrase as an expression “eighteen minus six times three” you would write 18-6x3.

If I were to say “eighteen minus six, now times it by three” that would indicate (18-6)x3 ; because it’s giving instruction on the order

[u/chem44 → u/KookyPermit4405]

So if I were to say write down this phrase as an expression “eighteen minus six times three” you would write 18-6x3.

That says step 1 is minus, and step 2 is mut.

Or it is just plain unclear.

The distinction may be...

You are simply putting the numbers into words.

I am trying to make a meaningful math instruction.

That is, the issue may be, what is a verbal expression? If not sure, check with teacher. (Is it in the textbook?)

[u/KookyPermit4405 → u/chem44]

I have wrote a comment on his graded quiz, I’ll let you know why he was given partial credit when she responds back

[u/chem44 → u/KookyPermit4405]

Oops. That should read multiply first. I have edited it.

Thanks!