Final answer:
To solve the equation, we use algebraic representation and solve step by step to find the value of the variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the equation: 'Five times the difference of a number and 3 is 17,' we need to express this in algebraic form. The correct equation is 5(n - 3) = 17, which is option a). Now, we can solve this equation step by step:
- Apply the distributive property by multiplying 5 by each term inside the parentheses: 5n - 15 = 17.
- Add 15 to both sides of the equation to isolate the variable term: 5n = 32.
- Finally, divide both sides of the equation by 5 to solve for n: n = 6.4.
Therefore, the correct equation and solution is 5(n - 3) = 17, n = 6.4.
Learn more about Solving linear equations