Question

Which algebraic expression represents the phrase below?

The quotient of the opposite of a number squared and three

Answer 1

What are the options?

Answer 2

answer choices:

x^2 / 3

(-x)^2 / 3

3(-x)^2

(-3x)^2

Answer 3

start with "a number" and let this number be x.

"opposite of a number" so take the negative version of x (or simply -x)

"opposite of a number squared" so square -x. be careful, because in order to square -x you need parentheses around -x.

"quotient of the opposite of a number squared and three" the quotient is the result of division, so take "the opposite of a number squared" and divide it by 3.