How do you write a variable expression for the word phrase " 3 less than 5 times a number"?

1 Answer
Apr 27, 2018

#5n-3#

Explanation:

Less than a number should clue you in to subtraction after a number.
So #x# less than a number means #n-x#. In this case 3 less than a number is #n-3#.

Times means multiplication. #c# times a number is #c# x #n#. In this case #5# times a number is #5# x #n#.

Altogether, 3 less than 5 times a number is #5n-3#.
I used #n# for 'a number' because number started with #n#. You can use any letter.