document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=1198927>Question 1198927</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Translate into a variable expression. Then simplify the expression.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "a number decreased by the difference between nine and the number </SPAN>\n" );
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document.write( "Go with the response from @MathLover1; the response from @Theo is mathematically incorrect.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "It is true that, in everyday usage, to find the difference between two number you subtract the smaller from the larger -- resulting in a positive answer for the difference.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "But in formal mathematics, the \"difference between A and B\" is always A-B, even if the result is negative.<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "For the expression in your post....<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "\"a number decreased by...\" --> x- ...<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "\"the difference between 9 and the number: --> 9 - x<br><BR>\n" );
document.write( "\"a number decreased by the difference between 9 and the number: --> x - (9 - x) = x - 9 + x = 2x - 9<br><BR>\n" );
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