Question

A number is multiplied by the number 3less than itself. The result is 54. The number is...

Answer 1

9

Explanation:

Let's break it down

" A number is multiplied "

Okay so we know that a number is being multiplied

" by the number 3 less than itself"

So whatever number it is, (lets use x) is being multiplied by a number (lets use y) 3 less then itself. So x - 3 = y and x·y = 54

So I started dividing all the numbers 1 - 9

54 ÷ 9 = 6

54 ÷ 8 = 6.75

54 ÷ 7 = 7.71~

54 ÷ 6 = 9

Then I stopped

Read the question again

"A number is multiplied by the number 3 less than itself. The result is 54."

A number - 9

Multiplied by the number 3 LESS then itself - 6

The result is 54 - 9 × 6 = 54

Hope that helps ^^

Answer 2

• positive answer: 9

• negative answer: -6

Explanation:

Since you know your multiplication tables, you are familiar with the fact 6·9 = 54. One of these factors is 3 larger than the other, so is the answer you seek.

The number is 9.

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These multiplication problems often have negative solutions as well. Usually, the negative solution is the other factor of the pair, but with a minus sign. Here, that is -6:

(-6)(-9) = 54 . . . . . where -9 is 3 less than -6.