Question

2. If y represents a number, which equation is a correct translation of the sentence? 15 is 28 less than 5 times a number. - A) 15 = 5(28 - y) B) 15 = 5y - 28 - C) 15 = 5(y - 28) D) 15 = 28 - 5y

Answer 1

Translation from word problems to mathematical expressions

Suppose y is the number mentioned in the problem.

Sometimes it's better to read the problem from end to beginning. Let's start by:

5y = 5 times a number.

Now we follow up with:

5y - 28 = 28 less than 5 times a number

Now we equate to 15:

15 = 5y - 28

Correct answer: B)