Question

Twice the difference of a number and 6 is 5 Use the variable x for the unknown number

Answer 1

Rewriting Words as Equations

To rewrite a word equation as a numerical equation, we can recognize certain keywords and change them into numbers or operations.

• twice = multiply by 2
• difference = subtract
• 'a number' = let this be x
• is = equals

Solving the Question

We're given:

• Twice the difference of a number and 6 is 5
  ⇒ twice = (2 ×)
  ⇒ difference of a number and 6 = (x - 6)
  ⇒ is 5 = ( = 5)

• ⇒ 2(x-6) = 5

To solve for x, isolate the variable:

2(x-6) = 5

2x-12 = 5

2x = 17

x = $\dfrac{17}{2}$

Answer

$\dfrac{17}{2}$