Question

which phrase describes the expression \\(\frac{1}{2} \times (16 + 34) - 4\\)?\
\\(\boldsymbol{\text{a}}\\) half of 16 added to the\
\quad\quad difference of 34 and 4\
\\(\boldsymbol{\text{b}}\\) half the sum of 16 and 34\
\quad\quad subtracted from 4\
\\(\boldsymbol{\text{c}}\\) 4 less than half the sum of 16\
\quad\quad and 34\
\\(\boldsymbol{\text{d}}\\) 4 less than half the difference of\
\quad\quad 16 and 34

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the expression structure

The expression $\frac{1}{2} \times (16 + 34) - 4$ first calculates the sum of 16 and 34, takes half of that sum, then subtracts 4.

Step2: Match to each option

• Option A: Describes $\frac{1}{2} \times 16 + (34 - 4)$, which does not match.
• Option B: Describes $4 - \frac{1}{2} \times (16 + 34)$, which does not match.
• Option C: Describes $\frac{1}{2} \times (16 + 34) - 4$, which matches the original expression.
• Option D: Describes $\frac{1}{2} \times (16 - 34) - 4$, which does not match.

Answer:

C. 4 less than half the sum of 16 and 34