Question

Write an algebraic equation for the following. Do NOT solve:

7 less than p is 42

Answer 1

p - 7 = 42

Explanation:

"Less than" might make you think of the < sign, but that's a mistake. The expression 7 < p = 42 makes no sense! In fact, that would say, "7 is less than p and p = 42."

To find 7 less than a number, you subtract 7 from the number. You start with the number, then subtract 7.

p - 7 = 42