Question 256688
We are looking for the algebraic expression for six less than half a number

1) are there variables- yes "a number" is an unknown amount- substitute in x

now we are looking for the algebraic expression for six less than half x

2) working from the variable out the first word we get to is half- half is equal to .5 or 1/2.  

now we are looking for the algebraic expession for six less than .5x

3) work from the variable out again and we get to less than.  Less than means subtraction, but order matters wth subtraction.  So which side is being subtracted from the other??  Whenever you see less than you can switch the order the two sides are in when you replace the words with the symbols.  (Think: If I had six candy bars less than my brother would I be happy or sad?  The answer here is sad since this means my number of candy bars is smaller than my brothers by six)

now we have {{{.5x-6}}} which is our solution