Decoding Math Statements: The Equation Behind "Nine Less than Three Times a Number"

Have you ever stumbled upon a math statement and thought, “What does that even mean?” If you’re preparing for your upcoming CODESP exam or simply brushing up on algebra, you might be intrigued by how words translate into mathematical expressions. Let’s roll up our sleeves and decode the equation that represents "nine less than three times a number, divided by four equals 21".

So, here’s the deal: we have several options, but there’s only one that captures the essence of our statement perfectly: ((3n - 9)/4 = 21). The key to unlocking this equation lies in dissecting its components—think of it like peeling an onion, except hopefully with fewer tears!

First things first, what does "three times a number" entail? We’re talking about (3n) here, where (n) is simply the number we’re trying to figure out. Picture it like a recipe, where (n) is your base ingredient; when you triple it, you get a bigger portion!

Next on our list is "nine less than three times a number." This sounds a bit complex but hold tight. If we take our (3n) and subtract 9, it gives us (3n - 9). Imagine it’s like having a delicious pizza (your (3n)) and then deciding you’ll have nine less slices, which helps us see the whole picture better.

Now, throwing in the phrase "divided by four", we’re going another step further. It means what we just calculated, (3n - 9), will be split into four equal parts. So now we have ((3n - 9)/4)—kind of like dividing that pizza among four friends, right?

And what’s the icing on this algebraic cake? The phrase "equals 21" tells us that this whole setup is meant to land us on that number, 21. A straightforward math sentence can sometimes feel like a convoluted puzzle, but when we piece it together, everything starts making sense.

So to recap: you take "three times a number," subtract 9 from it, divide the entire result by 4, and voilà! You find yourself with an equation that correctly mirrors our original statement. Remember, other potential options like (3n - 9 = 21) or ((3n + 9)/4 = 21) just don’t hit the mark. They’re like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—close, but no cigar!

Whether you’re preparing for exams or just trying to understand algebra concepts better, breaking down sentences like these into equations is a valuable skill. It helps you think critically and sets a solid foundation for more complex problems down the road.

In a way, mathematics is a language of its own, where each number and operation contributes to a grand narrative. So the next time you encounter a math statement, take a moment to translate it into its algebraic expression. You might find more than just numbers—there’s a story waiting to be told!