4.2 decreased by the quantity 12 plus a number
really?
12 plus a number ... 12+x
"decreased by" means you subtract, so 4.2-(12+x)
To find the result of 4.2 decreased by the quantity 12 plus a number, we can write it as an equation:
4.2 - (12 + x)
where x represents the unknown number. To simplify this expression, we first need to combine the terms inside the parentheses:
4.2 - 12 - x
Next, we can subtract 12 from 4.2:
-7.8 - x
Thus, the expression "4.2 decreased by the quantity 12 plus a number" simplifies to -7.8 - x.
To solve this problem, we need to use the order of operations and perform the operation inside the parentheses first.
Let's break it down step by step:
1. Start with the initial value: 4.2
2. Next, we encounter the quantity inside the parentheses: 12 plus a number. Since we don't know the specific number, let's represent it as "x". So, the quantity becomes 12 + x.
3. Now, subtract the quantity from the initial value of 4.2: 4.2 - (12 + x).
To arrive at a final numerical answer, we need to know the value of the unknown number "x". Without further information, we can only simplify the expression.
So, the expression 4.2 decreased by the quantity 12 plus a number can be represented as 4.2 - (12 + x).