To turn the phrase "six less than a number" into an algebraic expression, it's important to understand the language used in the phrase.
The phrase "six less than a number" means that we are subtracting 6 from some unknown number, which we typically represent with a variable like [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
Here is the step-by-step breakdown of the phrase:
- "A number" means some unknown variable, which we will call [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
- "Less than" indicates subtraction.
- "Six less than a number" means we are subtracting 6 from the unknown number [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct algebraic expression to represent this phrase is:
[tex]\[ x - 6 \][/tex]
Now, let's compare this with the given options:
1. [tex]\( 6x - x \)[/tex]: This is not correct as it represents "six times a number minus the same number".
2. [tex]\( x - 6 \)[/tex]: This is correct as it represents "six less than a number".
3. [tex]\( 6 - x \)[/tex]: This is incorrect as it represents "a number subtracted from six".
4. [tex]\( x - 6x \)[/tex]: This is incorrect as it simplifies to [tex]\( -5x \)[/tex], which does not represent "six less than a number".
Thus, the correct choice is:
[tex]\[ x - 6 \][/tex]
