Algebra Homework Question

Question

A 14​-foot board is cut into two pieces. If one piece is x feet​ long, express the other length in terms of x.

Answer 1

Hi... This is easier to understand if you use a specific number instead of X. So, let's say that X=5. So, you take a board and cut off 5 feet, how big is the remaining board? You would probably tell me that it is 14 - 5, or 9 feet long. You could draw a picture of this to show me the original board divided into the two pieces.

The same logic works if we use X for the number.

If you take a board and cut off X feet, the remaining piece is going to be 14 - X feet long.