Question

A first number is 42 less than 5 times a second number. If the second is represented by x, white an expression for the first number subtracted from the second number.

a) 5x - 42
b) x - 5
c) 42 - 5x
d) 5 - x

Answer 1

To find the expression for the first number subtracted from the second number, where the first number is 42 less than 5 times the second number, we use the expression x - (5x - 42) and simplify it to -4x + 42.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking us to write an expression for the first number subtracted from the second number, where the first number is 42 less than 5 times the second number, and the second number is represented by x. Using this information, we first write an expression for the first number which is 5x - 42.

Now we want the expression for this first number subtracted from the second number, which will be x - (5x - 42). When subtracting, the sign of the number to be subtracted is changed, so the expression becomes x - 5x + 42. Simplifying this results in -4x + 42, which is the expression for the first number subtracted from the second number.