Question

Write an equation in terms of x that

represents the problem.
Two less than a number is
the same as 2 more than
the product of 3 and the
number.

Answer 1

x -2 = 3x +2

Explanation:

For the purpose, we use math symbols to express the relation described by the English.

Translation

When x represents "a number," we have ...

• two less than a number: x -2
• the product of 3 and the number: 3x
• 2 more than the product: 3x +2
• is the same as: =

Then the English description can be translated to ...

x -2 = 3x +2

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Additional comment

Adding -2-x to both sides gives ...

-4 = 2x

-2 = x . . . . . divide by 2

The number is -2.