Answer:
Explanation:
1. Set up an equation
This may be a word problem, but it can definitely be set up into an equation.
For this equation, we can use x as the number.
One-third of x, or x/3
IS (which can also mean equal, =)
12 less than the number itself, x-12
When you put these together you get:
x/3=x-12
We can then solve this equation like normal.
1. Multiply both sides by 3 to cancel the division
x=3x-36
2. subtract 3x on both sides
-2x=-36
3. Now divide each side by -2 to get rid of x's coefficient
x = 18
Test: We can check ourselves to see if this is correct.
1/3 of 18 is 6.
6 is also 12 less than 18.
This proves that 18 is the number.