Question
Change the word phrase to an algebraic expression.
The difference between three times a number and one
The difference between three times a number and one
Ask by Martin Cervantes. in the United States
Jan 27,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The algebraic expression is
.
Solution
To translate the phrase “the difference between three times a number and one” into an algebraic expression, follow these steps:
-
Identify the Components:
- Three times a number: Let the number be represented by
. Therefore, “three times a number” is . - One: This is simply represented by the constant
.
- Three times a number: Let the number be represented by
-
Determine the Operation:
- The phrase uses the word “difference,” which indicates subtraction.
-
Combine the Components:
- Subtract the second component (1) from the first component (3x).
Algebraic Expression:
Example:
If ,
If
So, the algebraic expression
accurately represents the given phrase.
Answer:
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Mind Expander
To express “the difference between three times a number and one” in algebraic terms, let’s define the number as
. The phrase translates to three times the number being
, and “the difference” indicates subtraction. Therefore, the algebraic expression becomes
.
Now, if you’re wondering how to tackle more word-to-algebra transitions confidently, always look for key phrases. Words like “difference” often mean subtraction, while “sum” indicates addition. Practicing with various phrases will help you sharpen your skills, turning language into math like a pro!
If you find yourself getting muddled with word problems, it can be super helpful to jot down what each part means. Feel free to break the problem down: identify the operations and the variables first! Steer clear of common mistakes, like forgetting to define your variable or misinterpreting key phrases—clarity will make you a word problem wizard!