Question

Convert the following into an equation and solve:

8 times the difference of a number and 3 is -32.

Answer 1

To solve the equation, we assume the number as 'x', multiply the difference by 8, and solve for 'x'. The solution is x = -1.

Step-by-step explanation:

To convert the given statement into an equation, we can use the following steps:

1. Let's assume the number as 'x'.
2. The difference of a number and 3 is given as 'x - 3'.
3. Multiplying '8' by the difference gives us the equation: 8(x - 3) = -32.
4. We can now solve the equation by distributing 8: 8x - 24 = -32.
5. Next, isolate 'x' by adding 24 to both sides of the equation: 8x = -32 + 24.
6. Combine like terms: 8x = -8.
7. Finally, divide both sides by 8 to solve for 'x': x = -1.

Therefore, the solution to the equation 8 times the difference of a number and 3 is -32 is x = -1.