Question

Two step equation the quotient of a number and -3 decreased by 8 is -15

Answer 1

The algebraic expression for given statement is:

`(x)/(-3) -8 = -15`

The number is found to be 21

Solution:

Given statement is:

The quotient of a number and -3 decreased by 8 is -15

Let us convert the statement into algebraic expression

Let "x" be the number

Then from given statement,

quotient of a number and -3 decreased by 8 is -15

Here, "quotient" means division. Therefore, a number divided by -3

"quotient of a number and -3" is translated as
`(x)/(-3)`

While the decrease by 8 would be represented by subtracting 8 from that quotient

We are also told that the resulting equation is equal to -15

Thus, the final equation becomes:

`(x)/(-3) -8 = -15`

Let us simplify the above for "x"

`(-x)/(3) = -15 + 8\\\\(-x)/(3) = -7\\\\-x = -21\\\\x = 21`

Thus the number is 21