Write as an expression: 3 subtracted from a number

Step by step

The question

Question: write with math signs: 3 subtracted from a number.

1 Change words to math

2 Put it in order

Subtracted from turns the order around.

We start with a number, then take away 3.

So we get n − 3.

Careful: n − 3 is not the same as 3 − n.

The order matters when we take away.

3 Check

Let's check with a number.

Say the number is 10.

3 subtracted from 10 is 7.

And 10 − 3 is 7 too.

So n − 3 is right!

Let's look back.

First: change words to math.

Then: put it in order.

Last: check.