Final answer:
To solve 'The difference between a number c and 17 is 3', the equation is c - 17 = 3. Adding 17 to both sides gives us c = 20.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the word sentence 'The difference between a number c and 17 is 3' is translated into an equation, it becomes c - 17 = 3. To solve for the number c, you add 17 to both sides of the equation to isolate c. The step-by-step solution would look like this:
- Write the equation: c - 17 = 3
- Add 17 to both sides: c - 17 + 17 = 3 + 17
- Simplify: c = 20
The number c equals 20.