Chapter 1.3, Problem 43HP

To determine

Find the mistake and correct it.

Answer to Problem 43HP

The required expression: $\text{n}\text{-}\text{5}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

John is writing an algebraic expression for the phrase five less than a number.

He wrote 5 − n. Find his mistake and correct it.

Concept Used:

Five less than a number

Let n represent the number,

John wrote 5 − n , this means the number n less than 5, but according to the question, it is

5 less than a number means we need to subtract 5 from the number.

The required expression: $\text{n}\text{-}\text{5}$

Calculation:

The required expression: $\text{n}\text{-}\text{5}$

Thus, the required expression: $\text{n}\text{-}\text{5}$