Question

Define a variable and write an equation to find each number. Then solve.

Three times a number is 24 less than the number. What is the number?

Answer 1

-12

Explanation:

Let x be "the number."

"Three times a number" means 3x

"is 24 less than the number" means = x-24

Put them togehter:

3x = x-24

2x = -24

x = -12

Check: Is 3(-12) = 24 less than -12? YES.