Question

A) Write an equation in terms of x that represents the problem. (b) Solve the problem.

The difference of 4 and a number is − 9. Find the number.
Part 1 of 2
The equation that represents the problem is_______ ?.
The number is_____?

Answer 1

the equation is

x - 4 = - 9

the number is

-5

Explanation:

First, we don't know the number so we represent it with a variable like "x".

then difference simply means subtraction.

" is" simply means = ( equal to)

so the question says that difference of 4 and a number is 9 so we have x - 4 = -9

so now let's solve for x

we group liked terms and make x stand alone.

x = -9 + 4

( +4 because it crossed an equal sign)

x = - 5

we have

x = -5

so we can substitute the -5 into the equation to if its true

from the equation x - 4 = - 9

where we put -5 instead of x

-5 - 4 = - 9