Question

express the given statement as an algebraic expression. one - half the weight, w, decreased by 12 pounds the statement \one - half the weight, w, decreased by 12 pounds\ can be expressed algebraically as \boxed{}.

Explanation:

Step1: Find one - half of weight \( w \)

One - half of a number is the number multiplied by \( \frac{1}{2} \). So one - half of weight \( w \) is \( \frac{1}{2}w \) (or \( 0.5w \)).

Step2: Decrease the result by 12 pounds

To decrease a quantity by a certain amount, we subtract that amount from the quantity. So we subtract 12 from \( \frac{1}{2}w \), which gives us the expression \( \frac{1}{2}w-12 \).

Answer:

\(\frac{1}{2}w - 12\)