Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

How is six less than the product of two numbers represented?

1. mn + 6

2. mn - 6

3. m + n - 6

4. m - n + 6

The correct answer is: mn - 6

The correct representation of "six less than the product of two numbers" can be understood by breaking down the components of the phrase. The product of two numbers, which we can denote as m and n, is represented mathematically as \( mn \). When the phrase states "six less than this product," it indicates a subtraction of six from that product. This translates to the equation \( mn - 6 \). In this way, the expression captures the necessary mathematical relationship by taking the total product of m and n and reducing it by six. In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the stated condition. For instance, \( mn + 6 \) suggests adding six instead of subtracting it. Similarly, \( m + n - 6 \) calculates the sum of the two numbers m and n and then subtracts six, which is not aligned with the original statement about the product. Lastly, \( m - n + 6 \) does not consider the product at all, which diverts significantly from what the question is asking. Thus, the representation \( mn - 6 \) is the only correct way to express "six less than the product of two numbers."