what would this look like?
The difference of a number squared and the number is one less than four times the number.

Question

what would this look like?
The difference of a number squared and the number is one less than four times the number.

hero · Answer

$n^2 - n = 4n - 1$

anonymous · Answer

thank you @hero

hero · Answer

You still have to solve for n right?

anonymous · Answer

"difference of" : Think minus
"a number squared" : n^2
"is" : Think =
" one less than 4 times the number": 4n - 1

anonymous · Answer

yes i do

hero · Answer

Are you familiar with the quadratic formula?

anonymous · Answer

yes I got 1/2? am I right?

hero · Answer

There are two values for n, right?

hero · Answer

But 1/2 isn't one of them

anonymous · Answer

um I dont know then?

hero · Answer

You've never seen this before

$$n = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$

anonymous · Answer

no

hero · Answer

Are  you sure you're required to solve for $n$? You won't be able to solve for $n$ unless you are familiar with that.

hero · Answer

It is derived from the general form of a quadratic equation

$y = ax^2 + bx + c$

anonymous · Answer

maybe im not supposed to all my teacher gave me was that wording?