Question

Two less than twice a number equals the opposite of the same number. Write an equation to represent this statement, then solve.

Answer 1

2X (twice a number) - 2 (two less) = -X (opposite of same number).
First, isolate the variable, to do this, add X to both sides. This creates 3X - 2 = 0, then add 2 to both sides. This makes 3X = 2, divide this by 3 and you get the answer: X = 2/3.

To check it, 2*2/3 - 2 is -2/3, which means our answer is correct.