Question

The statement (in words) for $"(12a+7+2b)-x=10"$ is:

• A. Sum of $12a$, $7$ and $2b$ decreased by $x$ equals $10$.
• B. Sum of $12a$, $7$ and $2b$ subtracted from $x$ equals $10$.
• C. $x$ decreased by a sum of $12a$, $7$ and $2b$ equals $10$.
• D. $x$ increased by a sum of $12a$, $7$ and $2b$ equals $10$.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Sum of $12a$, $7$ and $2b$ decreased by $x$ equals $10$.

‘$12a+7+2b$’ is read as ‘sum of $12a$, $7$ and $2b$’.

So, ‘$(12a+7+2b)-x$’ will be read as ‘ sum of $12a$, $7$ and $2b$ decreased by $x$’ and hence ‘$(12a+7+2b)-x=10$’ will be read as ‘ sum of $12a$, $7$ and $2b$ decreased by $x$ equals $10$’. Hence option(a) is correct.

The algebraic form of both option (b) and option (c) is: $x-(12a+7+2b)=10$ and hence these options are incorrect.