Elisa is writing an algebraic expression for the phrase 5 less tan a number.

x - 5

her answer is -5

To write an algebraic expression for the phrase "5 less than a number," we can follow these steps:

1. Assign a variable to represent the unknown number. Let's call it "x" in this case.

2. Identify the operation indicated by the word "less than." In this case, it means subtraction.

3. Use the variable and the operation to write the algebraic expression. So, "5 less than a number" can be written as:

x - 5

Therefore, the algebraic expression for "5 less than a number" is x - 5.