Question Video: Solving Word Problems by Subtracting Two Algebraic Expressions Mathematics • First Year of Preparatory School

Video Transcript

Michael had three 𝑥 plus six coins and gave two 𝑥 plus three coins to James. How many coins does Michael have left?

In order to solve this problem, we need to subtract two 𝑥 plus three from three 𝑥 plus six. We can do this by grouping or collecting the like terms: three 𝑥 minus two 𝑥 and six minus three. Three 𝑥 minus two 𝑥 is equal to 𝑥 and six minus three is equal to three.

This means that after Michael gave two 𝑥 plus three coins to James, he has 𝑥 plus three coins left.