explain mathematical expression for each phrases like 3 less than a number x

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x - 3

To express the mathematical expression for the phrase "3 less than a number x", you need to understand the meaning of the words and translate them into mathematical symbols.

Let's break it down:

1. "A number": This refers to a general unknown quantity that we represent with a variable. In this case, the variable is represented by 'x'.

2. "3 less than": The word "less than" usually means subtraction. So, we need to subtract 3 from the number 'x'.

Combining these two elements, the mathematical expression for "3 less than a number x" can be written as:

x - 3

In this expression, 'x' represents the unknown number, and subtracting 3 from 'x' expresses the concept of "3 less than".