Express the statement as an algebraic expression.
-Five times the difference of a number and 20
A) 5x - 20
C) 5(x - 20)
D) 5(20 - x)

Question

Express the statement as an algebraic expression.
-Five times the difference of a number and 20
A) 5x - 20 
C) 5(x - 20) 
D) 5(20 - x)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The expression for "the difference of a number and 20" is (x - 20), and since the problem asks for "five times" that difference, we multiply it by 5, giving us 5(x - 20). "Five times the difference of a number and 20" can be written as 5(x - 20), where x represents the unknown number. Choice A is incorrect because it subtracts 20 from the number instead of finding the difference. Choice B is a random string of characters and numbers. Choice D subtracts the number from 20 instead of finding the difference.

Express the Statement as an Algebraic Expression