The phrase "the sum of four and eight years times a number is twenty" can be translated into an algebraic equation as follows:

1. Break it down:

   • "The sum of four and eight" = $4 + 8$
   • "Years times a number" = $n$, where $n$ is the variable (the unknown number)
   • "Is twenty" = $= 20$

2. Combine into an equation: $(4 + 8) \cdot n = 20$

3. Simplify: $12n = 20$

Thus, the algebraic equation is $12n = 20$.

Would you like me to solve for $n$ or explain this further?

Related Questions

1. What is the solution to $12n = 20$?
2. How can you rewrite this equation in terms of another variable?
3. What real-world scenarios could this equation represent?
4. What steps would you take to graph this equation?
5. How does this equation change if the total were $30$ instead of $20$?

Tip

Always check for the logical structure of a word problem to ensure the translation into algebra makes sense.