How do you define a variable and write an expression for each phrase: 6 times a number increased by 3?

1 Answer
Sep 2, 2016

Without a comma it is difficult to know what is meant.

6 times a number, increased by 3 6x+3

6 times, a number increased by 36(x+3)

Explanation:

People often ask if punctuation is important. The importance of clearly written phrases cannot be stressed enough!
The use of a comma helps to indicate exactly what is meant.
There is no comma shown, so what is intended is not totally clear.

This expression can be read in two ways:
Note the position of the comma in each case.

Let the number be x always define the variable.

6 times a number, increased by 3"

"Times" means multiply and "increased by 3" means 3 is added.

6x+3

OR

"6 times, a number increased by 3

6(x+3)