Answer: x = 174, and x < 174.
Let the number be x.
Then 1/3 of the number = 1/3*x
1/3*x is decreased by 36 is the same as 1/3*x - 36
If 1/3*x - 36 is at most 22, we can write:
1/3*x - 36 is less than or equal to 22.
Therefore,
1/3*x - 36 <= 22
1/3*x - 36 = 22 (i), and 1/3*x - 36 < 22 (ii)
From (i):
1/3*x = 22 + 36 = 58, or x = 58 * 3 = 174.
From (ii):
1/3*x < 22 + 36 = 58, or x < 58 * 3 , or x < 174.
Therefore,
x = 174, and x < 174.