Let's break down the problem step-by-step to write the mathematical expression and identify the number of terms in it.
1. Identify the unknown number: Let the unknown number be denoted by [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
2. Square of the unknown number: The square of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is [tex]\( x^2 \)[/tex].
3. Product of -3 and the square of the number: Multiply [tex]\( -3 \)[/tex] by [tex]\( x^2 \)[/tex], giving [tex]\( -3x^2 \)[/tex].
4. Decrease this product by 8: Subtract 8 from [tex]\( -3x^2 \)[/tex], resulting in the expression [tex]\( -3x^2 - 8 \)[/tex].
So the expression representing the given scenario is:
[tex]\[ -3x^2 - 8 \][/tex]
Next, we determine the number of terms in this expression:
- A term is a part of an expression separated by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign.
- The given expression [tex]\( -3x^2 - 8 \)[/tex] consists of two terms: [tex]\( -3x^2 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( -8 \)[/tex].
Therefore:
- The number of terms in the expression is [tex]\( 2 \)[/tex].
