Question

Which of these expressions correctly represents the phrase “17 less than three times a number”?

Answer 1

3x-17......................

Answer 2

3n - 17

Explanation:

This phrase includes subtraction (“less than”) and multiplication (“times”). We are multiplying a number (3) by the variable to create the term 3n. Subtraction is not commutative, so order does matter. 17 less than 3n means we have 3n and take 17 away: 3n - 17.