Question

Translate and solve:Five less than two-thirds of a number is three. Find the number.

Answer 1

Let the number be x

step 1: Two-thirds of the number x is

`(2)/(3)x`

step 2: Five less than two-thirds of the number is

`(2)/(3)x-5`

step 3: Equals 3

`(2)/(3)x-5=3`

step 4: Solve for x

`\begin{gathered} (2)/(3)x-5=3 \\ \text{collect like terms} \\ (2)/(3)x=3+5 \\ (2)/(3)x=8 \\ \text{Multiply both sides by the denominator 3} \\ (2x)/(3)*3=8*3 \\ 2x=24 \\ x=(24)/(2)=12 \end{gathered}`

Therefore, the number is 12