Question

which algebraic expression means \four less than three times a number\?
4 - n³
3n - 4
4 - 3n
n³ - 4

Explanation:

Step1: Define the number

Let the number be \( n \).

Step2: Translate "three times a number"

"Three times a number" means \( 3\times n = 3n \).

Step3: Translate "four less than three times a number"

"Four less than" a quantity means we subtract 4 from that quantity. So, four less than \( 3n \) is \( 3n - 4 \).

Now let's analyze the options:

• Option \( 4 - n^{3} \): This is 4 minus the cube of a number, not related to "three times a number" minus 4.
• Option \( 3n - 4 \): Matches our translation of "four less than three times a number".
• Option \( 4 - 3n \): This is 4 minus three times a number, which is the opposite of what we need.
• Option \( n^{3}-4 \): This is the cube of a number minus 4, not related to "three times a number" minus 4.

Answer:

B. \( 3n - 4 \)