Problem 196 - Prealgebra

Question

In the following exercises, translate and simplify. 15 less than 19

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

4

Step 1: Understand the problem

The exercise asks to find the result of '15 less than 19.' This means we need to subtract 15 from 19.

Step 2: Set up the equation

Translate '15 less than 19' into an equation: 19 - 15

Step 3: Perform the subtraction

Subtract 15 from 19: 19 - 15 = 4

Key Concepts

Basic Subtraction

Let's start with basic subtraction. Subtraction is one of the four elementary arithmetic operations. It represents the operation of removing objects from a collection. In our context, we are removing or taking away a smaller number from a larger number.

To subtract, follow these steps:

• Identify the numbers involved. In this case, the numbers are 19 and 15.
• Determine which number you will subtract from, which is the larger number 19.
• Subtract the smaller number, 15, from the larger number, 19. So, 19 - 15.
• The result of the subtraction is the difference. Here, the difference is 4.

Basic subtraction is a foundational concept that will be used frequently in more complex math problems, so it's crucial to understand how to perform it correctly.

Understanding Problem Statements

Grasping the problem statement is key to solving any mathematical problem. In our example, the problem statement is '15 less than 19.'

Here’s how to understand it:

• Identify keywords: Words like 'less than' suggest subtraction.
• Understand the order: 'Less than' indicates that we are reducing the starting number (19) by the amount specified (15).
• Translate into mathematical operation: '15 less than 19' translates to 19 - 15.

Breaking down the problem statement helps in setting up the correct mathematical operation, ensuring you solve it accurately.

Setting Up Equations

Setting up equations correctly is a critical skill in algebra and pre-algebra. It involves translating words or situations into a mathematical format for easier manipulation and solution.

In our problem, we need to set up an equation from the statement '15 less than 19.'

Here's how:

• Identify the operation: From 'less than,' we know we need to subtract.
• Write the equation: The phrase '15 less than 19' translates to 19 - 15.
• Ensure it's correct: Double-check if the equation represents the problem's requirement.

Thus, the correct equation for this problem is 19 - 15. Solving the equation involves performing the arithmetic operation to find that 19 - 15 = 4.

Familiarizing yourself with setting up equations from problem statements makes it simpler to understand and solve various mathematical challenges.