Three less than two times a number is 5. What is the number? equation: n =

Mathematics · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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Given the statement:

Three less than two times a number is 5

Determine the number.

Solution:

The given statement can be written in numerical form in order to determine the number. 

Three less than two times a number is 5 can be written as

3 - 2x = 5

Now in order to solve for the number, we  transpose  -2x and 5 on their opposite sides. Note that when transposing a number the sign changes.

2x = 3 - 5

2x = -2

Divide both sides by 2 in order to get the value of x or the value of number.

2x/2 =-2/2

x = -1

Check:

Substitute the value of x to the equation

3 - 2(-1) = 5

3 - (-2) = 5

3 + 2 = 5

5 =5 

Final answer: 

The value of the number is -1