Linda and Juan went shopping. Linda spent 11 dollars less than Juan. Write an algebraic expression for how much Linda spent, using X for the amount Juan spent?

I came up with x - 11 but the instructor marked it wrong, saying it should have been 11 -x. Wouldn't that make the amount Juan spent negative?

Question

Linda and Juan went shopping. Linda spent 11 dollars less than Juan. Write an algebraic expression for how much Linda spent, using X for the amount Juan spent?

I came up with x - 11 but the instructor marked it wrong, saying it should have been 11 -x. Wouldn't that make the amount Juan spent negative?

laura.swart · Answer

If you plug in $20 for what Juan spent you could figure it out....
To calculate how much Linda spent take her 11 from his 20, so 20-11 (x-11)
She spent $9.
I'd say you are right and he is wrong...
And your wife is amazing btw

563blackghost · Answer

Hmmm yes that is so. It would in fact make it a negative seems as though the instructor is wrong. Did you tell him/her the reason as to why you think its right?

eswart1 · Answer

not yet going to bring it up after class. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I wasn't considering.