Problem 195 - Prealgebra

Question

In the following exercises, translate and simplify. 12 less than 16

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

4

Step 1 - Translate the Phrase into a Mathematical Expression

The phrase '12 less than 16' can be translated into the mathematical expression as 16 - 12.

Step 2 - Simplify the Expression

Now, simplify the expression 16 - 12 by performing the subtraction.

Step 3 - Calculate the Result

Calculate 16 - 12 to get the result, which is 4.

Key Concepts

mathematical expressions

In prealgebra, understanding mathematical expressions is vital. A mathematical expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. When dealing with word problems, your first task is to translate the words into a mathematical expression. For instance, the phrase '12 less than 16' means you need to subtract 12 from 16. Therefore, the expression becomes 16 - 12. Once written in this form, it’s easier to see what operations you need to perform.

subtraction

Subtraction is a basic arithmetic operation that involves taking one number away from another.
When you encounter phrases like 'less than' in word problems, it usually indicates subtraction.
Using our example, '12 less than 16,' the word 'less than' tells us to subtract 12 from 16, constructing the expression 16 - 12.
Here are some other keywords that often indicate subtraction in math problems:

• 'decreased by'
• 'subtract'
• 'minus'

These keywords function as signals for you to apply the subtraction operation.

simplification process

The simplification process in mathematics involves reducing expressions to their simplest form.
In the case of our expression 16 - 12, simplification is straightforward. You perform the subtraction to solve it.
Here's how: Step 1: Identify the expression 16 - 12.
Step 2: Subtract 12 from 16. This gives you 4.
Therefore, the simplified form of 16 - 12 is 4.
Simplifying expressions makes it easier to understand and work with them in future calculations and helps you grasp basic mathematical concepts more deeply.