Translate the following phrase into an algebraic expression. Please use the variable x.
7 less than four times a number.
Answer (2)
'Four times a number' translates to 4 x .
'7 less than' indicates subtraction of 7.
Combine these to form the expression 4 x − 7 .
The algebraic expression is 4 x − 7 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We need to translate the phrase '7 less than four times a number' into an algebraic expression using the variable x. Let's break down the phrase step by step.
Translating 'Four Times a Number' First, 'four times a number' can be written as 4 × x , which simplifies to 4 x .
Translating '7 Less Than' Next, '7 less than' means we subtract 7 from the previous expression. So, we subtract 7 from 4 x .
Final Expression Therefore, the algebraic expression is 4 x − 7 .
Examples
Algebraic expressions are used in many real-life situations. For example, if you are selling lemonade for $1.50 per cup and you have expenses of $5, your profit can be expressed as 1.50 x − 5 , where x is the number of cups you sell. This expression helps you calculate how many cups you need to sell to break even or make a certain profit. Understanding how to translate phrases into algebraic expressions is a fundamental skill in mathematics and has practical applications in various fields.
The phrase '7 less than four times a number' translates to the algebraic expression 4 x − 7 . To form this expression, 'four times a number' is written as 4 x , and we subtract 7 to complete the phrase. Thus, the final expression is 4 x − 7 .
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