Correct Answer:
B. 5(x – 3)
The correct answer is 5(x – 3) because the problem requires converting English language logic into a step-by-step algebraic expression.
- Step 1 (Past Age): Amna's current age is given as x. To find her age three years ago, we subtract 3 from her current age, giving us the expression
(x - 3). - Step 2 (Multiplication): The question specifically asks for 5 times her past age. We represent this by multiplying the entire past age grouping by 5, which results in
5(x - 3). - Incorrect Options:
- 3(x – 5) is incorrect because it represents 3 times Amna's age five years ago.
- 3(x + 5) is incorrect because it represents 3 times Amna's age five years into the future.
- None of these is incorrect because option 2 is the exact mathematical representation needed.