Represent the following phrase as an algebraic expression, where "a number" is the letter [tex]\(x\)[/tex]. You do not need to simplify.

5 less than the square of a number.



Answer :

Certainly! Let's break down the phrase "5 less than the square of a number" into an algebraic expression, step-by-step:

1. Identify "a number": The phrase refers to "a number" which we will represent using the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex].

2. Square of a number: The square of a number [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is represented algebraically as [tex]\( x^2 \)[/tex].

3. 5 less than the square of a number: Now, we need to subtract 5 from the square of [tex]\( x \)[/tex]. This can be written as:
[tex]\[ x^2 - 5 \][/tex]

Thus, the algebraic expression that represents "5 less than the square of a number" is:
[tex]\[ x^2 - 5 \][/tex]