Question

One third of a number is 12 less than the number itself

Answer 1

let the number = n
(1/3)n=n-12
(3)(1/3)n=(3)n-12
n=3n-36
-2n=-36
n=18

Answer 2

18

Explanation:

1/3 n = n - 12 Cross multiply

n = 3(n - 12)

n = 3n -36

2n = 36

n = 36/2

n = 18