Question

If you add 7 to a number, multiply the sum by 3, and subtract 47 from the product, you will get the number you started with. What is the number?

Answer 1

3(x+7)-47=x
4x+21-47=x
3x-26=x
2x=26
X=13

Answer 2

Let the unknown number be x.

"add 7 to a number": now you have x + 7


"multiply the sum by 3": now you have 3(x + 7)


"subtract 47 from the product": now you have 3(x + 7) - 47


"you will get the number you started with": 3(x + 7) - 47 = x


Now we solve the equation for x.

3(x + 7) - 47 = x

3x + 21 - 47 = x

3x - 26 = x

2x - 26 = 0

2x = 26

x = 13

Answer: The number is 13