Problem 609 - Prealgebra

Question

Translate each phrase to math notation and then simplify. 50 less than 300

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

250

Step 1: Identify Key Terms

Recognize the key phrase '50 less than 300'. This indicates a subtraction operation.

Step 2: Translate to Math Notation

Translate the phrase into a mathematical expression. '50 less than 300' translates to: 300 - 50

Step 3: Simplify the Expression

Perform the subtraction operation to simplify the expression: 300 - 50 = 250

Key Concepts

subtraction operation

Subtraction is one of the basic arithmetic operations. It helps us find the difference between two numbers.
In the given exercise, the phrase '50 less than 300' suggests a subtraction operation.
The word 'less' is a key indicator that we need to subtract one number from another.
In math notation, 'less than' usually means we start with the larger number and subtract the smaller one from it.
Hence, '50 less than 300' translates directly to 300 - 50.

simplifying expressions

Simplifying an expression means performing all the possible arithmetic operations to reduce the expression to a simpler form.
In our example, after translating '50 less than 300' into the equation 300 - 50, we need to perform the subtraction.
Subtracting 50 from 300 results in 250.
So, the simplified form of the expression 300 - 50 is 250.
Simplifying expressions makes it easier to understand and work with them in future problems.

translating phrases

Translating phrases into math notation is an important skill in mathematics.
It helps convert word problems or verbal statements into mathematical expressions.
Let's break down the phrase '50 less than 300'.

• '50' is the number we are subtracting.
• 'less than' tells us it's a subtraction operation.
• '300' is the number we start with.

Combining these elements gives us the expression 300 - 50.
This process ensures that we represent the problem accurately in math terms.