Question 142274
a. Five subtracted from a number.  Let x = the number.  Now, this is NOT 5-x,  It has to be 5 subtracted FROM x, which is x-5.


b. The ratio of a number and six.  Ratio means a quotient, so you divide.  Let x = the number.  {{{x/6}}}


See my website by clicking on my tutor name "rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com, and take the second link on my home page which is "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time."  Click on Basic Algebra, choose Chapter 1, and look for Section 1.09 for an explanation of word problems that is probably a LOT easier to understand than your own traditional textbook.  


R^2