To express '3 less than the sum of 4 and a number j,' we use the algebraic expression (4 + j) − 3, where first we sum the number j and 4, and then subtract 3.
The question asks to express an algebraic statement that denotes '3 less than the sum of 4 and a number j.' To translate this into a mathematical expression, we begin by finding the sum of 4 and the number j, which is represented by (4 + j). Then we subtract 3 from this sum, which gives us the final expression: (4 + j) − 3. The − sign represents the subtraction called for by '3 less than.' So, the equation appropriately represents the given verbal statement.