The number of plates is 5 less than 3 times the number of cups. Write an equation for the relationship. Tell what each variable you use represents.

The equation that represents the relation is x = 3y - 5, where x is the number of plates and y is the number of cups

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this question chose a variable represents the number of the plates and another variable represents the number of the cups

Assume that the number of plates is x and the number of cups is y

∵ The number of plates = x

∵ The number of cups = y

∵ The number of plates is 5 less than 3 times the number of cups

→ That means x is less than 3 times y by 5

∵ 3 times y = 3 × y = 3y

∵ x is less than 3y by 5

→ Remember is means equal and "less" means subtract 5 from 3y

∴ x = 3y - 5

The equation that represents the relation is x = 3y - 5, where x is the number of plates and y is the number of cups