Question

Write the following as an algebraic expression. Simplify if possible.
Subtract 5y−6 from y−3.

Answer 1

Algebraic expression:

y - 3 - (5y - 6)

Simplified: -4y + 3

Explanation:

"Subtract 5y−6 from y−3" means the 5y-6 is being taken away from the y-3.

y-3 up front and then minus 5y-6. Use parenthesis to keep things organized.

(y-3) - (5y-6)

This is the algebraic expression.

well, tbh, we don't really need the first set of parenthesis.

y-3 - (5y-6)

This is good enough.

Then, to simplify use distributive property. That minus that we wrote in the middle, it has to go to both the 5y and also to the -6.

y-3 - 5y - -6

= y - 3 - 5y + 6

combine like terms

= -4y + 3