Question

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

Answer 1

`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.