SOLUTION: The difference of triple a number and 5

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: The difference of triple a number and 5      Log On


   

Question 1152637: The difference of triple a number and 5
Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, Edwin McCravy:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The difference of triple a number and 5
---------
= 3a - 5
or 5 - 3a
---> |3a - 5| ---- absolute value
=============
For example, if person A has $5 and person B has $3, the difference is $2.
If person A has $3 and person B has $5, the difference is $2.

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20064) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It's 3x-5.  It is NOT |3x-5| and it is NOT 5-3x.  
The rule for "difference between two quantities" is ALWAYS 
"FIRST MINUS SECOND".

That's also true for "the quotient of two quantities", 
which is "FIRST DIVIDED BY SECOND".