To solve the given problem, we need to translate the phrase "1 less than 3 times a number" into a mathematical expression.
1. Identify the unknown number: Let's denote the unknown number by the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
2. Interpret "3 times a number": The phrase "3 times a number" means multiplying the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex] by 3, which gives us [tex]\( 3x \)[/tex].
3. Interpret "1 less than": The phrase "1 less than" means we subtract 1 from the result we obtained in the previous step.
Putting it all together:
- We start with [tex]\( 3x \)[/tex] (3 times the number).
- Then we subtract 1 from [tex]\( 3x \)[/tex].
Thus, the expression is:
[tex]\[ 3x - 1 \][/tex]
Now, let's match this expression with the given options:
1. [tex]\( 3x - 1 \)[/tex]
2. [tex]\( 2x \)[/tex]
3. [tex]\( 1 - 3x \)[/tex]
The matching expression in these options is:
[tex]\[ 3x - 1 \][/tex]
Therefore, the expression that matches the phrase "1 less than 3 times a number" is:
[tex]\[ 3x - 1 \][/tex]
