Question

When 20 is subtracted from five times a number, the result is the same as when 18 is added to three times the number. What is the number?

Answer 1

19

Explanation:

let n = the number

5n - 20 = 18 + 3n

combine like terms in one of four different ways

2n = 38

n = 19

Answer 2

Number is 19

Explanation:

denote the number by x.

the line says:

5x - 20 = 18 + 3 x

Subtracting 3x form both sides

2x - 20 = 18

adding 20 to both sides

2x = 38

dividing both sides by 2

x = 19