Question

First, I add 1. Then, I multiply by 2. Next, I divide by 3. As a result, I get 4. What is my starting number?

Answer 1

My starting number is 5

Explanation:

Let's denote your number is a

We have:

Adding 1 => a + 1

Multiplying by 2 => (a + 1) x 2

Dividing by 3 => (a + 1) x 2/3

The final number is 4 => (a + 1) x 2/3 = 4

Now, we are going to work out a

Dividing both sides by 2/3:

(a + 1) x (2/3)/(2/3) = 4/(2/3)

then, we have:

(a + 1) x 1 = 4 x 3/2

then, we have:

a + 1 = 12/2

or

a + 1 = 6

=> a = 6 - 1 = 5

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Answer:5

Explanation:

reverse the steps

2(x+1)/3=4

2(x+1)/3×3=4×3

2(x+1)/2=12/2

x+1=6

x=6-1

x=5