Final answer:
To find Peter's number, you need to solve the equation (-3)(x - 12) = -54.
The solution is x = 30.
Step-by-step explanation:
Let's call Peter's number 'x'.
According to the problem, when 12 is subtracted from Peter's number, the difference is multiplied by -3, resulting in -54.
So, the equation would be: (-3)(x - 12) = -54.
Now, let's solve this equation step by step:
- Distribute -3 to the terms inside the parentheses: -3x + 36 = -54
- Isolate the variable by subtracting 36 from both sides: -3x = -90
- Divide both sides of the equation by -3 to solve for x: x = -90 / -3 = 30
Therefore, Peter's number is 30.