Question

To model the problem containing an unknown number, translate the statement into an equation.
Sixteen is five less than a number.
Which steps would you take to translate the statement?

A. Replace "is" with =, "less than" with -, and "a number" with n to get 16 = n - 5.
B. Replace "is" with =, "less than" with +, and "a number" with n to get 16 = n + 5.
C. Replace "is" with =, "less than" with -, and "a number" with n to get 16 = 5 - n.
D. Replace "is" with =, "less than" with +, and "a number" with n to get 16 = 5 ÷ n.

Answer 1

To translate the statement "Sixteen is five less than a number," we need to break down the components of the sentence.

1. "Sixteen" refers to the number 16.
2. "is" translates to the equals sign "=".
3. "five less than" means we subtract 5, so we write it as "- 5".
4. "a number" can be represented by the variable "n".

Putting it all together:
- "Five less than a number" would be represented as "n - 5".
- Therefore, "Sixteen is five less than a number" translates to the equation:

\( 16 = n - 5 \)

Thus, the correct choice is:

**A. Replace "is" with =, "less than" with -, and "a number" with n to get 16 = n - 5.**