Let p represent pounds of apple left.
We have been given that Will makes 2 batches of applesauce that use 4 pounds each. So pounds of apple used in 2 batches of applesauce would be [tex]2\times 4=8[/tex] pounds.
Further we are told that Will makes one batch of apple butter that uses 6 pounds, and he uses 3 pounds to make juice. So pounds of apples used in apple butter and juice would be [tex]6+3=9[/tex] pounds.
Total pounds of apples used in all recipes will be [tex]8+9=17[/tex] pounds.
We have been given that Will has 20 pounds of apples. So pounds of apples that Will has left would be 20 pounds minus total pounds of used apples.
[tex]p=20-17[/tex]
Therefore, the equation [tex]p=20-17[/tex] represents pounds of apples that Will has left.