How can u subtract a variable from. A whole # and that variable?

Question

For example x-5x would it remain 5x or just 5?

Answer 1

Hi, Chewbacca.

Actually neither! The variable stands for a number. When you have a variable by itself, it is 1 "number." The coefficient of the variable is 1.

In your problem, the x - 5x can be rewritten as 1x - 5x, which simplifies to -4x.

Hope this helps!