Auna E.

asked • 08/24/15

ten less the quotient of a number and 3 is 6.

help needed with equation!

3 Answers By Expert Tutors

By:

Michael J. answered • 08/25/15

Tutor
5 (5)

Effective High School STEM Tutor & CUNY Math Peer Leader

See tutors like this
See tutors like this
"Ten less" means that we subtract 10.  "Quotient" means that we divide.
 
 
(x / 3) - 10 = 6
 
 
I can show you how to solve for x.
 
 
Add 10 on both sides of the equation.
 
x / 3 = 16
 
 
Multiply both sides of the equation by 3.
 
x = 48
Upvote • 0 Downvote
More
Report

David W.

THX for at least trying (I'll give you credit for that).
 
In this case, the word "less" is used as a preposition, not as a determiner & pronoun.  According to Oxford dictionaries:
 
PREPOSITION
before subtracting (something); minus:
"$900,000 less tax"
 
So, "10 less x" means "10-x"
 
This is why I stated,"We rarely use 'less' this way -- like saying, 'a dollar less a dime' -- but that's what this problem says."
Report

08/25/15

David W.

Oh ... "less than" has the meaning that you thought of.
Report

08/25/15

David W. answered • 08/24/15

Tutor
4.7 (90)

Experienced Prof

See tutors like this
See tutors like this
We rarely use "less" this way -- like saying, "a dollar less a dime" -- but that's what this problem says.
 
Let x be the number.
 
"ten less the quotient of a number and 3 is 6"  means
  10   -       (                    x  /          3)   =   6
or
   10 - (x/3) = 6
       -(x/3) = -4             (subtract 10 from both sides)
         x = 12               (multiply both sides by (-3)
 
Checking (very important):
   Is   10 - (12/3) = 6   ?
         10 - 4  = 6   ?
            6   =   6   ?   yes.
Upvote • 1 Downvote
More
Report

Michael J.

You mixed it up.  ten less means that we subtract 10  So is should be interpreted as
 
(x / 3) - 10 = 3
Report

08/25/15

Michael J.

I mean
 
(x / 3) - 10 = 6
Report

08/25/15

David W.

THX for at least trying (I'll give you credit for that).
 
In this case, the word "less" is used as a preposition, not as a determiner & pronoun.  According to Oxford dictionaries:
 
PREPOSITION
before subtracting (something); minus:
"$900,000 less tax"
 
So, "10 less x" means "10-x"
 
This is why I stated,"We rarely use 'less' this way -- like saying, 'a dollar less a dime' -- but that's what this problem says."
Report

08/25/15

David W.

Oh ... "less than" has the meaning that you thought of.
Report

08/25/15

Mark M. answered • 08/24/15

Tutor
5.0 (278)

Mathematics Teacher - NCLB Highly Qualified

See tutors like this
See tutors like this
ten    less   quotient of number and 3  is    6
10      -                      n/3                    =    6
 
10 - n/3 = 6
Upvote • 0 Downvote
More
Report

Auna E.

this didn't answer my question one so ever I already have the equation just don't know how to solve.
Report

08/24/15

Mark M.

You stated: "help needed with equation!" I provided the equation.
Report

08/24/15

David W.

Apparently, math has nothing to do with exactness (or precision or accuracy).
Report

08/25/15

David W.

Oh, nothing ... I just want your answer to have more comments (and more votes).  And, maybe when you write your book, you'll have more sales!
Report

08/25/15

Mark M.

Precision is a basic aspect of mathematics.
Precision is not a basic aspect of the English language. People have to work at it. An accurate response can be given only to an accurate question.
 
I do not aspire to write a book let alone increase its sales. Yet, your good wishes are appreciated.
Report

08/25/15

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.