Question

32 was divided by a particular number, then 5 was taken from the quotient. Afterwards,

this difference was multiplied by 4. Giving a product of -4. Find the particular number.

Answer 1

If 32 is divided by 8, the quotient would be 4. If 5 was taken away by the quotient (4) it would be -1 and -1 times 4 is -4. Meaning the particular number is 8.

Answer 2

8 is the number

Explanation:

We can start building the equation piece by piece and we can allow n to represent the unknown number.

Since 32 is divided by a number and the product is -4, we have:

32 / n = -4

Since 5 is taken from this quotient, we have:

(32 / n) - 5 = -4

Since this difference is multiplied by 4, we have:

((32 / n) - 5) * 4 = -4

Now we can begin solving for n, the unknown number:

(((32 / n) - 5) * 4 = -4) / 4

((32 / n) - 5 = -1) + 5

(32 / n = 4) * n

(32 = 4n) / 4

8 = n

Thus, the unknown number is 8.