Question

john read the first 114 pages of a novel, which was 3 pages less than $\frac{1}{3}$ of the novel. if $p$ is the total number of pages in the novel, which of the following equations best describes the situation?
choose 1 answer:
(a) $\frac{1}{3}p - 3 = 114$
(b) $\frac{1}{3}p + 3 = 114$
(c) $3p - 3 = 114$
(d) $3p + 3 = 114$

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the relationship

The number of pages John read (114) is 3 pages less than one - third of the total number of pages $p$ of the novel. One - third of the total number of pages is $\frac{1}{3}p$.

Step2: Form the equation

Since 114 is 3 pages less than $\frac{1}{3}p$, we get the equation $\frac{1}{3}p−3 = 114$.

Answer:

A. $\frac{1}{3}p - 3 = 114$