To solve the problem and represent the number of coloring books Mr. Ming has remaining after giving some away, we can break it down into steps and create an equation.
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Determine the total number of coloring books Mr. Ming brings to school:
- He has 3 packages, with 7 coloring books in each package.
- Total coloring books: \( 3 \times 7 = 21 \)
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Subtract the number of coloring books he gives away:
- He gives away 17 coloring books.
- Remaining coloring books: \( 21 - 17 = 4 \)
Now, we can represent the situation with an equation:
\[ (3 \times 7) - 17 = \text{remaining coloring books} \] \[ (21) - 17 = 4 \]
Therefore, the complete equation that represents the number of coloring books Mr. Ming has remaining is:
\[ (3 \times 7) - 17 = 4 \]
So, Mr. Ming has 4 coloring books remaining.