Final answer:
The difference between 3 times the first number and the second number is calculated by tripling the first number and then subtracting the second number from this product.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'What is the difference between 3 times the first number and the second number?' involves a basic arithmetic operation known as subtraction used in Mathematics. The 'difference' refers to the result you get when you subtract one number from another. If you are given two numbers, the first and the second, you first multiply the first number by three (this action is referred to as '3 times the first number'). Afterwards, you subtract the second number from this result. Here is a step-by-step example:
- Let the first number be 5 and the second number be 2.
- Multiply the first number by 3: 5 * 3 = 15.
- Subtract the second number from this result: 15 - 2 = 13.
- The difference is therefore 13.
The approach would be the same regardless of the actual numbers involved. Also, it's important to note that when performing calculations, the number of significant digits may matter, especially in scientific or high precision contexts. However, for basic arithmetic operations typically encountered in middle school, the precision of the numbers does not restrict the number of significant figures in the answer unless specified.