196k views
3 votes
Write an expression for the verbal phrase: six less than x

1 Answer

7 votes
These are always a little tricky because we really, really, really want to say, "Oh, it should just be 6 - x, right?" but that's wrong.

Why??? Think of it this way. What is 6 less than 10? You would never say "-4", you would say "4". What is 6 less than 8, well, that's just positive "2". Notice that English is backwards. "6 less than 10" really means 10 - 6.

All that to say, when we say "six less than x" in English, we really mean x - 6 in mathematics.
User Pmsoltani
by
8.1k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories