How do you write an algebraic expression that models the word phrase "the quotient of the difference between 5 and a number n,and 2"?

1 Answer
David B.
Apr 4, 2016

#(5-n)/2#

Explanation:

To do this we need to break down the sentence one piece at a time. The first part tells us there is a quotient, which we know is the result of a division. What we need to know is what is being divided? We are looking for "the quotient of __ and __", and from the question we see:

#color(red) "the quotient of " color(black)"(the difference between 5 and a number n)"color(red) and 2#

So the two things that are being divided are (the difference between 5 and a number n) and 2. The difference between #5# and a number #n# can be written:

#5-n#

then we form the quotient

#(5-n)/2#

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