Question

translate the following expression:

\\(n - 4\\)

• a number less than four
• the sum of a number and four
• four less than a number
• the quotient of four and a number

Explanation:

Identify the given algebraic expression

The given algebraic expression is:

$$ n - 4 $$

Here, \( n \) represents an unknown quantity, often referred to as "a number," and the subtraction sign indicates a decrease or subtraction of \( 4 \).

Analyze each multiple-choice option

Let's translate each verbal phrase into its corresponding mathematical expression to find the correct match:

1. "A number less than four"

• "Less than" in this context describes an inequality or a comparison, but when written as an expression, "a number less than four" means starting with \( 4 \) and subtracting the number: \( 4 - n \).

1. "The sum of a number and four"

• "Sum" indicates addition. This translates to: \( n + 4 \).

1. "Four less than a number"

• "Four less than" means we start with "a number" (\( n \)) and subtract \( 4 \) from it. This translates directly to: \( n - 4 \).

1. "The quotient of four and a number"

• "Quotient" indicates division. This translates to: \( \frac{4}{n} \).

Determine the correct match

Comparing our translations to the given expression \( n - 4 \), we find that "Four less than a number" is the exact verbal translation.

Answer:

• (A) A number less than four
• (B) The sum of a number and four
• (C) Four less than a number (Correct answer)
• (D) The quotient of four and a number