Physics quantitative literacy (PQL) – applying familiar mathematics in novel ways in the context of physics – is ubiquitous across physics classrooms. The Physics Inventory for Quantitative Literacy, or PIQL, is a recently published reasoning inventory that can be used to assess PQL from calculus-based introductory physics through upper division courses (White Brahmia et. al 2021). There remains a need, however, for assessment of quantitative reasoning at the algebra-based level which includes not only algebra-based college courses but also pre-college physics courses. We present recent work adapting the PIQL to an algebra-based context towards developing the GERQN – the Generalized Equation-based Reasoning inventory for Quantities and Negativity. We report lessons learned from our efforts to adapt items from the calculus-based PIQL to the algebra-based GERQN, and from our experience translating the GERQN into Flemish as part of a larger, on-going research project. We discuss implications for instructors on what kinds of resources may be accessible to algebra-based students and indicative of early, calculus-like reasoning and on language accessibility for native and non-native English speakers alike for developing assessment items, curricular materials, and when speaking with students.