Verified Answer :

  • Identify the number of patients for Dr. Bloom (\(16\)) and Dr. Ashton (\(28\)).
  • Recognize the relationship described: Bloom's total equals Ashton's total minus \(12\).
  • Formulate the equation \(16 = 28 - 12\).
  • Final answer: \(\boxed{16 = 28 - 12}\)

Explanation

  1. Analysis of the Given Data

We are given two quantities related by a specific condition. Let \(B\) represent the number of patients Dr. Bloom had and \(A\) represent the number of patients Dr. Ashton had. From the problem statement, we know:

  • Dr. Bloom had \(16\) patients, so \(B = 16\).
  • Dr. Ashton had \(28\) patients, so \(A = 28\).
  • The statement "Dr. Bloom had 12 patients less than Dr. Ashton had" implies the mathematical relationship \(B = A - 12\).
  1. Verification of the Relationship

We can now verify the relationship using the provided numerical values to ensure consistency. Substituting the values \(B = 16\) and \(A = 28\) into the relationship \(B = A - 12\), we get:
\[16 = 28 - 12\]
This calculation confirms that the number sentence is correct, as \(28 - 12\) indeed equals \(16\).

  1. Formulating the Number Sentence

The number sentence that represents the relationship between the number of patients Dr. Bloom and Dr. Ashton had is:
\[\boxed{16 = 28 - 12}\]

Examples

Number sentences are used in daily life to represent real-world relationships. For example, if you have \$50 in your bank account and withdraw \$20, leaving you with \$30, this can be represented by the number sentence \(30 = 50 - 20\). Understanding how to translate word problems into mathematical equations is a foundational skill for budgeting, inventory management, and data analysis.