Problem 142 - Prealgebra

Question

In the following exercises, translate from math notation to words. $$ 18-16 $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Eighteen minus sixteen.

Step 1 - Identify the operation

Look at the mathematical expression to identify what kind of operation is being used. The expression given is \(18 - 16\). The operation here is subtraction.

Step 2 - Translate each part

Translate the numbers and the operation into words. The number \(18\) translates to 'eighteen' and \(16\) translates to 'sixteen'. The minus sign '-' translates to 'minus'.

Step 3 - Combine the words

Combine the translated parts into a complete sentence. The expression \(18 - 16\) translates to 'eighteen minus sixteen'.

Key Concepts

Subtraction

Subtraction is one of the basic operations in arithmetic. It involves taking one number away from another. This operation is represented by the minus sign (-). When subtracting, it is important to understand the parts of the expression:

• The first number is called the minuend. It is the number from which you subtract.
• The second number is called the subtrahend. It is the number that you subtract from the minuend.

In the expression given, which is \(18 - 16\), the number 18 is the minuend, and the number 16 is the subtrahend. Subtraction helps us find the difference between two numbers. For example, if you have 18 apples and you give away 16, you are left with only 2 apples. This operation is very useful in everyday life for scenarios like calculating change, comparing quantities, and determining how much more or less we have.

Mathematical Expressions

A mathematical expression is a combination of numbers, operations, and sometimes variables, which represents a numerical value. In our example of \(18 - 16\), we have a simple mathematical expression. Here are the key components:

• Numbers (also called operands) which in this case are 18 and 16.
• An operation symbol (in this case, the minus sign -) that indicates the mathematical process to be applied.

Mathematical expressions need to be interpreted accurately to determine the correct operation and outcome. Translating these expressions into words can be helpful, especially when learning basic arithmetic. This process of translation aids in understanding the different parts of the expression and the operations involved. To translate \(18 - 16\) into words, you would say 'eighteen minus sixteen'. Practicing the translation of these expressions helps strengthen comprehension of math concepts.

Basic Arithmetic

Basic arithmetic is the branch of mathematics that deals with simple numerical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Let's focus on subtraction within basic arithmetic for now.

When performing subtraction, you actually subtract the value of one number from another. It’s a fundamental skill that forms the basis for more advanced mathematical concepts. For instance:

• Subtraction tells us how much is left when we remove part of a quantity.
• It is essential in everyday activities such as making financial transactions, measuring ingredients in cooking, and determining distances or time intervals.

In our example of \(18 - 16\), the subtraction is straightforward: starting with 18 and taking away 16 gives us 2. Such exercises, although simple, are the building blocks for understanding more complex operations. Mastering basic arithmetic lays the foundation for more advanced math topics and practical problem-solving skills.