Question

Set up the equation for the following word problem and solve the equation. Let x be the unknown number. -26 times a number minus 5 is equal to 56 less than the number. Step 2 of 2: Solve the equation for x. Express your answer as an integer, a reduced fraction, or a decimal number rounded to two pl Answer​

Answer 1

Step 1 of 2:
-26x - 5 = x - 56

Step 2 of 2:
17/9 or 1.89

Explanation:

1. Putting word statement in algebraic form

Step 1:
Let x be the unknown number ==> x is the unknown variable to be used in the equation and to be solved for

Step 2:
-26 times a number minus 5 ==> -26x - 5

Step 3:
is equal to 56 less than the number ==> = x - 56

Putting it all together:
-26x - 5 = x - 56

2. Solving the equation
-26x - 5 = x - 56

1. Subtract x from both sides:
-26x - 5 - x = x - x -56

-26x -x - 5 = -56

-27x - 5 = -56

2. Add 5 to both sides
-27x - 5 + 5 = -56+ 5

-27x = -51

x = -51/-27 (dividing both sides by -27)

x = 51/27 (negative divide by negative results in positive)

Reduce 51/27 by dividing numerator and denominator by 3

x = (51 ÷ 3)/(27 ÷ 3) = 17/9

= 1.88888.... = 1.89 rounded to two decimal places