Question

Translate the expression 5x - 7.

five times the difference of a number and 7
the difference of five times a number and 7
the sum of 5 and a number minus 7

Answer 1

the difference of five times a number and 7

Explanation:

took the test and it was correct

Answer 2

Answer: the difference of five times a number and 7

There are two operations in the expression 5x - 7, a multiplication (of x by 5) and a subtraction (7 from 5x).

The PEMDAS order of operations says the multiplication is done before subtraction.

The first answer choice would look like 5(x - 7).
The third answer choice would look like (x - 7) + 5.