Write as an expression: 7 less than a number

Step by step

The question

Question: write with math signs: 7 less than a number.

1 Change words to math

2 Put it in order

Less than turns the order around.

We start with a number, then take away 7.

So we get n − 7.

Careful: n − 7 is not the same as 7 − n.

The order matters when we take away.

3 Check

Let's check with a number.

Say the number is 10.

7 less than 10 is 3.

And 10 − 7 is 3 too.

So n − 7 is right!

Let's look back.

First: change words to math.

Then: put it in order.

Last: check.