Question

Write an algebraic expression for each verbal expression
1. a number decreased by 8"

Answer 1

Write an algebraic expression for a number decreased by 8
Answer: x-8

Answer 2

`x-8`

Explanation:

the "decreased by 8" part says
`-8`. We don't know the number, so we put a variable before the
`-8`.

Side note:

You could have the variable any letter of the English alphabet or the Greek alphabet.