If it says something is less than a number, then it will be at the back of the equation. So skip that part and u will see it says five times a number. The number is unknown therefore it will a variable (i chose x to be the variable). 5 times x is 5x. Minus the 4 would be 5x - 4. Then it says the equation equals 11. So 5x - 4 = 11.
If it says something is more than a number, it can be on either side of the equation using the commutative property of addition. But if we want to consider it being like subtraction, then it also will be in the back of the equation. A half is one over two (1/2). A half of x is 1/2x. Plus the 15 would be 1/2x + 15. It then states that the equation equals 9. So 1/2x + 15 = 9.
