Writing statement as algebraic expression

Question

Write "a number decreased by the sum of the number and eight" as an algebraic expression. Let $x$ represent the number. Then simplify.

• algebraic expression: $x-(8+x)$
• simplified: $-8$

Is this correct? Thanks.

Answer 1

yes it is correct.

when you say "a number", you have to associate with a variable. here you used $x$.

When you say "The number is decreased by ...", you would display that using the minus sign ($-$).

When you say "The sum of a number and ...", you would display that using the addition between which 2 numbers (or variables) you are adding ($+$).

so you are correct,

It would be:

$$x - (8+x)$$

NOTE

This is just for other users on math SE to understand how he arrived at his answer.