Question

When 84,099 is decreased by number, the difference is about 72,000. What could the number be ?

Answer 1

The number is 12099.

Explanation:

Finding the number:

If we allow n to represent the number, we can find it using the following equation:

(84099 - n = 72000) - 84099

-n = -12099

n = 12099

Thus, the number is 12099.

Answer 2

12,100

Explanation:

Let x be the number that 84,099 is decreased by.

84,099 - x = 72,000

Subtract 84,099 from both sides.

-x = -12,099

Divide both sides by -1.

x = 12,099

The exact number is 12,099, but notice the statement of the problem.

"When 84,099 is decreased by number, the difference is __about__ 72,000. What could the number be?"

This problem is dealing with an approximation and an estimate.

When 12,100 is subtracted from 84099, you get 71,999 whihc is about 72,000.

Answer: 12,100