The value of y is three less than the quantity two times the value of x. In Equation From

Question

This Is Freshman Algebra

Answer 1

Hi Kristopher,

Looks like you need help with a skill I like to call "translating English into Algebra."

This is a very basic, but essential part of Algebra.

It's especially important when you get to word problems and need to set up equations for yourself.

In this problem, we need to write an algebraic equation which describes the same relationship between x and y that has already been described in English.

Take the sentence apart.

"value of y is" can be rewritten as "y =".

"three less than" indicates that we'll be subtracting 3 from something, so there's going to be a "- 3" somewhere in the equation.

"two times the value of x" indicates that x is multiplied by 2, and this is what we're subtracting 3 from.

This might be the easiest YET hardest part of the problem.

I'll be the first to admit that we have WAY TOO MANY symbols for multiplication,

including NO SYMBOL AT ALL!

It takes a little getting used to but "2x" is the EASIEST way to symbolize 2 times x.

It's similar to English in a way. For instance, if you walk 5 miles you just say THAT, "5 miles".

You don't say I walked a distance equal to 5 times a mile.

Notice there's NOTHING (no symbol) between the number and the item.

So, y is what you get when you take 3 away from whatever 2 times x is.

Let's put the pieces together.

y = 2x - 3.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

y= (2x) -3 is the equation for

y is 3 less than the quantity 2 times the value of x