“7 less than a number t” written as an algebraic expression is:
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The phrase “7 less than a number t” translates into the algebraic expression:
t – 7
Explanation:
To understand how we convert a verbal phrase like “7 less than a number t” into an algebraic expression, we break down the components of the sentence:
- “A number t”:
- This part of the phrase refers to an unknown number, which we represent with the variable t. Variables like t are used to represent unknown quantities or values in algebra.
- “7 less than”:
- The phrase “less than” in algebraic terms means to subtract. So when you see “7 less than”, it means that 7 should be subtracted from something.
- It’s important to note that the order in which we subtract matters. In English, we typically write the subtraction in the reverse order compared to how we would in algebra. For example, “7 less than t” indicates that 7 is subtracted from t, not the other way around. This is why the expression is written as t – 7.
Thus, putting these together, we get t – 7 as the algebraic expression for “7 less than a number t”.
Why It’s Written as t – 7:
In this case, the operation of subtraction involves taking 7 away from the number t. In algebra, we maintain the natural order of the sentence while respecting the mathematical operation. Therefore, “7 less than t” becomes t – 7, rather than 7 – t.
If the phrase had been “7 less than t” in a different order, such as “t less than 7,” then the correct algebraic expression would be 7 – t. But the specific wording “7 less than” directly translates to subtracting 7 from t.