Question

When a number is increased by 26, the result is tripled. Then the result is increased by 72. If the final result is 1/2 of the number, what is the value of this number?

Answer 1

-60.

Explanation:

Let the unknown number be x.

Number is increased by 26 = x+26

Then result is tripled = 3(x+26)

Then the result is increased by 72 = 3(x+26)+72

Final result is
`(1)/(2)` of the number =
`(1)/(2)x`

`3(x+26)+72=(x)/(2)`

`3x+78+72=(x)/(2)`

`3x+150=(x)/(2)`

Isolate variable terms.

`3x-(x)/(2)=-150`

`(6x-x)/(2)=-150`

Multiply both sides by 2.

`5x=-300`

Divide both sides by 5.

`x=-(300)/(5)`

`x=-60`

Therefore, the required number is -60.