Find the Predecessor: Determining the Number Before 3140

Q: What's the difference between predecessor and successor?

Predecessor means the number that comes before (subtract 1), while successor means the number that comes after (add 1). Think of it like walking backwards vs forwards on a number line!

Q: Can I use this method for any number?

Yes! The predecessor formula $ n - 1 $ works for any whole number, integer, or decimal. Just subtract 1 from whatever number you're given.

Q: How can I remember which operation to use?

Think of "Pre-" as meaning "before" - like preview or prepare. Since we want the number before, we go backward by subtracting 1!

Number Sequence with Predecessor Identification

Select the predecessor of the number 3140:

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Select the predecessor of the number 3140:

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the given information
Step 2: Apply the appropriate formula
Step 3: Perform the necessary calculations

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The problem gives us the number $3140$ .
Step 2: To find the predecessor, we use the formula $\text{Predecessor of } n = n - 1$ .
Step 3: Subtracting 1 from $3140$ , we have $3140 - 1 = 3139$ .

Therefore, the predecessor of $3140$ is $3139$ .

Final Answer

$3139$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Definition: Predecessor is the number that comes immediately before
Formula: Predecessor of n = n - 1, so 3140 - 1 = 3139
Verify: Count backwards from 3140: 3139 comes right before ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding 1 instead of subtracting 1
Don't add 1 to find predecessor (3140 + 1 = 3141) = this gives the successor instead! Adding moves forward in the number line, not backward. Always subtract 1 to move one position backward and find the predecessor.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which number succeeds the number 9209?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What's the difference between predecessor and successor?

Predecessor means the number that comes before (subtract 1), while successor means the number that comes after (add 1). Think of it like walking backwards vs forwards on a number line!

Why do we subtract 1 to find the predecessor?

Numbers are arranged in order on the number line. To find the number that comes immediately before any given number, we move one step backward by subtracting 1.

Can I use this method for any number?

Yes! The predecessor formula $n - 1$ works for any whole number, integer, or decimal. Just subtract 1 from whatever number you're given.

What if the number ends in zero?

No problem! For numbers ending in zero like 3140, subtracting 1 gives you 3139. The calculation works the same way - just borrow from the tens place if needed.

How can I remember which operation to use?

Think of "Pre-" as meaning "before" - like preview or prepare. Since we want the number before, we go backward by subtracting 1!

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