Final answer:
To write and evaluate an algebraic expression, substitute the unknown values and simplify the expression using mathematical symbols. In this case, the given expression is 40/n - 13, and when n = 2, the expression evaluates to 7.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write and evaluate an algebraic expression, you need to first translate the given information into mathematical symbols. For the expression 'thirteen less than the quotient of forty and a number', we can represent the quotient of forty and a number as 40/n, where n represents the unknown number. 'Thirteen less than' means we subtract 13 from the quotient expression, resulting in 40/n - 13. To evaluate this expression when n = 2, substitute 2 in place of n and calculate the result:
Expression: 40/2 - 13
Evaluation: 20 - 13 = 7
Learn more about Writing and evaluating algebraic expressions