Question

8 less than four times a number is 12 determine the number

Answer 1

5

Explanation:

For this one, what you'd need to do is rewrite it as an equation. "8 less than 4 times a number is 12" can parse to 4x - 8 = 12 - four times = 4x, 8 less = -8, is 12 = = 12.

Then, you'd need to rearrange to make it easier (or at least, I find this the easier way). You can add 8 to both sides to get 4x = 20, and then divide by 4 to get x = 5.

Lastly, substitute your answer into the original equation to see if it works. 4(5) - 8 = 12. 4 x 5 is 20, -8 is 12, meaning you've got it right!

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

5

Explanation:

With this one, you need to work backwards.

First, you want to add 8 to 12, as addition is opposite subtraction. This gives you 20. Then, you want to divide 20 by 4, as division is the opposite of multiplication. That gives you 5, which is your answer.

It works the other way round if you were to check it. 5 x 4 is 20, 20 - 8 is 12.