Question

Which algebraic expression matches this verbal expression five less than the product of 4 and a number b?

Answer 1

4b - 5

Explanation:

Let's start.

We need to translate this expression into math symbols.

It's described as:

"five less than the product of 4 and a number b"

First of all, the product of 4 and a number b is 4b (4 times b).

Five less than 4b = > 4b - 5

Therefore, the expression is 4b - 5.

Answer 2

4b - 5

Explanation:

The first step of writing an algebraic expression from a verbal expression is determining the operation(s) that will be used.

The phrase "less than" tells us subtraction will be involved. The word "product" tells us multiplication will be involved.

Next, we determine the order also using the wording of the expression. The phrase "five less than" tells us to subtract 5 from another term or set of terms (... - 5). If the phrase was "the difference between five and...," we could subtract another term or set of terms from five (5 - ...).

To find what we are subtracting 5 from, we look to the next operation in the verbal expression. "the product of 4 and a number b" tells us to multiply the integer 4 and the variable b together (4 * b) = 4b.

Finally, we combine the two parts we synthesized from the verbal expression.

4b and - 5 become 4b - 5 as the algebraic expression matching the verbal expression.