Question

Write a variable expression to represent the phrase.

The number of pounds in y ounces

Short answer

The variable expression that represents the given phrase is $\frac{y}{16}$.

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 – Apply the concept of Variable

In any expression or equation, the variable is an unknown quantity. It may be any alphabet or any special symbol.

Step-2 – Conversion scale from feet to inches

There are 16 ounces in 1 pound, that is,

1 pound = 16 ounces

$\Rightarrow 1\text{ounce}=\frac{1}{16}\text{pounds}$

So, in order to change the ounces into equivalent pounds, multiply the number of ounces by $\frac{1}{16}$.

Step-3 – Write the variable expression

Since there are $\frac{1}{16}$pounds in 1 ounce, so in order to find the number of pounds in y ounces, multiply y by $\frac{1}{16}$.

So, the number of pounds in y ounces is $\frac{1}{16}·y\text{or}\frac{y}{16}$

So, the variable expression to represent the phrase is $\frac{y}{16}$.