Question

Complete an algebraic expression

for the verbal expression.
x decreased by 6
x [?] 6

Answer 1

x - 6

Explanation:

You want the algebraic equivalent of "x decreased by 6."

Decreased

If a quantity is decreased by 6, it means 6 has been taken away. You might have seen this as "__ take away 6." It means 6 has been subtracted.

We represent the subtraction of 6 using a minus sign.

x - 6

__

Additional comment

Other math symbols are associated with different wording:

• x + 6 — x increased by 6; the sum of x and 6
• x × 6 — x multiplied by 6; the product of x and 6
• x ÷ 6 — x divided by 6; the quotient of x and 6
• x ^ 6 — x to the power of 6