IXL | Write variable expressions: word problems

Nicole has

glitter pencils and 12 regular pencils. Choose the expression that shows the number of pencils Nicole has in all.

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Learn with an example

Philip picked 15 pears. Christina picked

fewer pears than Philip. Choose the expression that shows how many pears Christina picked.

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A variable is a letter that represents an unknown number.

An expression is a group of numbers, symbols, and variables that represents another number.

Look for a pattern.

Try

Philip picked 15 pears. Christina picked 2 fewer pears than Philip.

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which is 13.

Try

Philip picked 15 pears. Christina picked 3 fewer pears than Philip.

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which is 12.

Try

Philip picked 15 pears. Christina picked 4 fewer pears than Philip.

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which is 11.

The pattern shows that in order to find how many pears Christina picked, you always subtract

from 15. This is the correct expression:

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Looking for more? Try these:

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Now entering the Challenge Zone—are you ready?

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