How do you define a variable and write an expression for each phrase: 6 times a number increased by 3?

1 Answer
EZ as pi
Sep 2, 2016

Without a comma it is difficult to know what is meant.

#color(red)("6 times a number"),# increased by 3 #rarrcolor(red)(6x) + 3#

6 times, #color(blue)"a number increased by 3" rarr color(blue)6(x+3)#

Explanation:

People often ask if punctuation is important. The importance of clearly written phrases cannot be stressed enough!
The use of a comma helps to indicate exactly what is meant.
There is no comma shown, so what is intended is not totally clear.

This expression can be read in two ways:
Note the position of the comma in each case.

Let the number be #x" " larr"# always define the variable.

#color(red)("6 times a number"),# increased by 3"

"Times" means multiply and "increased by 3" means 3 is added.

#color(red)(6x) + 3#

OR

"6 times, #color(blue)"a number increased by 3"#

#6color(blue)((x+3))#

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