Question

Translate the word phrase into a variable expression.

The number a is decreased by the number b.

A.
a – b

B.
b – a

C.
a + b

D.

Answer 1

The word decreased by means subtract.
So...
Lets look at A.
A: a-b
Sound correct?
No,
Because the sentence said that "a is decreased by the number b."
Lets look at B.
B. b-a
Sound correct?
Yes,
Because a is getting decreased by b.

Your answer is, B.


Hope this helps!(: