Question

Which word phrase describes the algebraic expression x - 16.5?

16.5 decreased by x
x less 16.5
x more than 16.5
16.5 minus x

Answer 1

X less 16.5 as it implies that 16.5 is being reduced from x

Answer 2

x less 16.5

Explanation:

"x -16.5" means 16.5 is subtracted from x. The resulting value is 16.5 less than x. The wording "x less 16.5" basically means "x minus 16.5" and/or "x reduced by 16.5".

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Subtraction is not commutative, so "16.5 decreased (or reduced) by x", meaning "16.5 -x" or "16.5 minus x", is not the same thing.