Question

How do you write the algebraic expression: $7$ minus $f$ ?

Answer 1

When we are given a statement and are asked to write the algebraic form, we first have to figure out the meaning of each word one-by-one. The statement consists of a digit $7$, a word “minus” and an alphabet $f$. We have to figure out how they individually are written in algebraically and then combine them to make an expression.

Complete step by step solution:
(i)
The given statement is:
“$7$ minus $f$”
We will figure out the meaning of all the terms individually. So, $7$ is a digit and in algebra, it is considered as a constant as it is a fixed value and it is written as
(ii)
“minus”:
As we know for subtraction, the symbol used is ‘$-$’ which is similar to a dash and we call this symbol a “minus”. So, in algebra, we will write “minus” as ‘$-$’.
(iii)
At last, we have $f$ which is a normal alphabet in English language but if it is present in an expression in algebra, it is considered as an unknown variable and written as it is.
(iv)
Since we now know how every term is written in algebra, we will just combine everything to form an algebraic expression.
Hence, the expression is:
$7 - f$
Additional Information: “plus” is written as $+$, “multiplied by” is written as $\times$ and “divided by” is written as $\div$ in algebraic form.

Note: In algebra, the numbers and alphabets are written as it is as they are constants and variables respectively. Any other word present in the statement other than this must hold some meaning so that it can be changed to its respective symbol. Like here, “minus” was given.