Question

The difference of twice a number and five is three. Find the number.

Translate the word problem to an equation. Which steps describe how to solve the equation?

a. add 2 then multiply by 1/5
b. multiply by 1/2 then add 5
c. add 5 then multiply by 1/2
d. subtract 5 then multiply by -1/2

Answer 1

Add 5 then multiply by one half ( 1/2)
( By the way for example 1/2 is saying 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.)

Answer 2

So let's break down this equation:

The difference -> this means its going to be a subtraction problem.

of twice a number and five -> 2n - 5

is 3 -> = 3 . Remember that "is" can be translated into an equal sign.

Putting our equation together, its 2n - 5 = 3.

Next, to solve an equation you want to isolate the variable. In this case, you have to add 5 on both sides then multiply by 1/2, or C, to solve the equation.