two less than a number is -5 write and solve an equation that represents this relationship

Question

It's for a 9th grade class for my daughter, We just moved and I feel horrible that I can't help her with basic algebra. Honestly I did not recognize her type of algebra. Please help!

Answer 1

The phrase " a number", translated into notation, is almost always x. Any variable would do really, it just has to avoid pinning down a numeric value...yet.

 

Two less than a number, then, is x-2.

 

"is" is one of those key words that means equals.

 

Therefore "Two less than a number is minus five" in notation is;

 

x-2=-5

 

Hopefully this is more familiar.

 

In order to solve for x, you would need to add 2 to the expression on each side of the equal sign.

 

Good luck!