Explanation:
The problem statement can be translated into an equation. It says that "1 is subtracted from a number (x)," which can be represented as (x - 1). Then, it says that this difference is tripled, so we have 3 times (x - 1). Finally, it states that the result is 13 more than the number, which is equal to x + 13.
Putting it all together:
3(x - 1) = x + 13
Now, we can solve for x:
Distribute 3 on the left side of the equation:
3x - 3 = x + 13
To isolate x, we can subtract x from both sides:
3x - x - 3 = 13
2x - 3 = 13
Add 3 to both sides:
2x = 16
Finally, divide by 2:
x = 8
So, the number is 8.