Question

5 more than a number is equivalent to 3 times the sum of 5 and the number

Answer 1

The number is:

-5

Explanation:

5 + a = 3(5+a)

5 + a = 3*5 + 3*a

5 + a = 15 + 3a

5 - 15 = 3a - a

-10 = 2a

-10/2 = a

a = -5

Check:

5 + (-5) = 3(-5+5)

5 - 5 = 3*0 = 0

Answer 2

n + 5 = 3(n + 5) where n = -5

Explanation:

- 5 more than a number

means adding 5 to a number, n + 5

- equivalent

means equal

- the sum of 5 and the number

- 3 times

sum is addition, n + 5

multiply by 3

3(n + 5)

combine:

n + 5 = 3(n + 5)

want to find n?

n + 5 = 3(n + 5)

n + 5 = 3n + 15

n + 5 - 5 = 3n + 15 - 5

n = 3n + 10

n - 3n = 3n - 3n + 10

-2n = 10

-2n / - 2 = 10 / -2

n = -5