The expression \( 8 - x \) represents a situation where a quantity of 8 is decreased by some number \( x \). Here are the three situations that apply:
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Eight servings of lunch decreased by some number.
- This fits because it indicates that you start with 8 servings and then decrease it by some quantity.
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Gabrielle decreased her eight-minute commute to school by some number of minutes.
- This also fits because it suggests that her original 8-minute commute is reduced by some number, representing the same operation.
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Naomi had eight pencils and gave some away to her classmates.
- This situation applies too, as Naomi starts with 8 pencils and gives away some, thereby reducing the total number of pencils she has.
The other statements do not fit the expression \( 8 - x \):
- Jones County has eight fewer elective courses than Smith County. (This involves a comparison rather than a straightforward decrease.)
- Benjamin lost eight of his socks. (This is a loss of a fixed amount, not a decrease from 8.)
- Sydney increased her collection of stamps by eight. (This indicates an increase, not a decrease.)
So the correct answers are:
- Eight servings of lunch decreased by some number.
- Gabrielle decreased her eight-minute commute to school by some number of minutes.
- Naomi had eight pencils and gave some away to her classmates.