four times the sum of a number and three equal two less than five times the number. find the number
so, if x is the number, what is
the sum of the number and three?
That's the first step. Then keep going. If you get stuck, come back with what you got so far.
4 ( x + 3 ) = 5 x - 2
4 * x + 4 * 3 = 5 x - 2
4 x + 12 = 5 x - 2 Subtract 4 x to both sides
4 x + 12 - 4 x = 5 x - 4 x - 2
12 = x - 2 Add 2 to both sides
12 + 2 = x - 2 + 2
14 = x
x = 14
To solve this equation, let's break it down step by step:
Let's assume the number we are trying to find is represented by the variable "x".
According to the problem statement, "four times the sum of a number and three" can be written as "4(x + 3)".
And "two less than five times the number" can be written as "5x - 2".
The equation becomes:
4(x + 3) = 5x - 2
To solve for x, you need to expand the equation on the left side:
4x + 12 = 5x - 2
Now, let's isolate the variable on one side. We can do this by subtracting 4x from both sides of the equation:
4x - 4x + 12 = 5x - 4x - 2
12 = x - 2
Next, add 2 to both sides of the equation to isolate the variable:
12 + 2 = x - 2 + 2
14 = x
Therefore, the number we are looking for is x = 14.