5 less than the quotient of a number and 3 is -7
Mathematics · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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Given the statement:
5 less than the quotient of a number and 3 is -7
It can be written in a numerical expression as:
x/3 -5 = - 7
We've written x/3 since it is stated that the quotient of a number and 3. Then we've subtracted 5, since it is stated as 5 less than. For phrases such as "less than" “decreased by” “diminished by” or “subtracted by” we use the minus operation.
Solution:
In order to find the number we solve for x. Transpose first -5 on the other side of the equation, note that when transposing a number the sign changes.
x/3 = - 7 + 5
x/3 = -2
Multiply both sides by 3 in order to cancel out x/3 leaving behind x and it's final value
x = -6
The missing number is -6.
To check we simply substitute the value of -6 on the given numerical expression.
= -6/3 -5
= -2 - 5
= -7