Write the phrase as an algebraic expression 6 less than a number times 11
The correct answer and explanation is:
The phrase “6 less than a number times 11” can be written as the algebraic expression: 11x−611x – 6
Here’s a breakdown of how to interpret and write the expression:
- Understanding the phrase: The word “times” indicates multiplication, so the “number times 11” means multiplying a variable (representing the unknown number) by 11. Let’s use the variable xx to represent this unknown number. Thus, “a number times 11” is written as 11x11x.
- Interpreting “6 less than”: The phrase “6 less than” suggests subtraction. Specifically, it means that we need to subtract 6 from something. The important part is that the subtraction happens after multiplying the number by 11. So, the correct interpretation is to subtract 6 from 11x11x, which gives us the expression 11x−611x – 6.
- Putting it together: Therefore, the full algebraic expression representing the phrase “6 less than a number times 11” is:
11x−611x – 6
This represents a situation where a number (denoted by xx) is first multiplied by 11, and then 6 is subtracted from the result.
- Clarifying the order: It’s crucial to note the phrase’s wording order. “6 less than a number times 11” implies that the subtraction of 6 happens after the multiplication. If the phrase were worded differently, like “6 times a number less than 11,” the order of operations would change. Always pay attention to how the operations are described to ensure the correct algebraic form.
In summary, the correct algebraic expression for “6 less than a number times 11” is 11x−611x – 6, where xx represents the unknown number.