Question

If three times a number minus 2 equals 13, what is the number?

Answer 1

Change the messy words into numerals
3 times a number minus 2 equals 13
3 × n - 2 = 13

3n - 2 = 13
take 2 to the other side
3n - 2 + (2) = 13 + (2)
3n = 15

Divide by 3 on either sides to isolate n

`(3n)/(3)` =
`(15)/(3)`
3 and 3 cancels out

n = 5

check:
3 times 5 minus 2 equals 13
3 × 5 - 2 = 13
15 - 2 = 13
13 = 13

The number is 5