Translate the following phrase into an algebraic expression. Please use the variable x.
The difference between -3 and twice the number
Answer (2)
Represent "twice the number" as 2 x .
The phrase "the difference between -3 and twice the number" translates to subtracting 2 x from − 3 .
Form the algebraic expression: − 3 − 2 x .
The final algebraic expression is − 3 − 2 x .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We need to translate the phrase "The difference between -3 and twice the number" into an algebraic expression using the variable x.
Breaking Down the Phrase First, let's identify the components of the phrase:
"twice the number" can be represented as 2 x .
"the difference between -3 and 2x" means we subtract 2 x from − 3 .
Forming the Expression Therefore, the algebraic expression is − 3 − 2 x .
Final Answer So, the algebraic expression that represents the given phrase is − 3 − 2 x .
Examples
Algebraic expressions are used to represent real-world situations in a concise mathematical form. For example, if a store offers a $3 discount on twice the original price of an item, and we let x represent the original price, then the final price can be expressed as − 3 + 2 x . This expression helps in calculating the final price for different original prices.
The phrase "The difference between -3 and twice the number" translates to the algebraic expression -3 - 2x, where 2x represents twice the number. This expression clearly defines the relationship expressed in the phrase. The final expression is − 3 − 2 x .
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