Question

I have a number. I subtracted five from its half, multiplied the difference by four, and then addedeight. I have the original number. What is the original number?

Answer 1

I have a number. Say

`x`

I subtracted five from its half, this would be;

`(x)/(2)-5`

multiplied the difference by four, thus;

`4((x)/(2)-5)=2x-20`

and then added eight, this is

`2x-20+8=2x-12`

I have the original number.

`\begin{gathered} 2x-12=x \\ -12=-x \\ x=12 \end{gathered}`

Thus, the original number is 12