Question

If the sum of a number and six is tripled. the result is five less than twice the number

Answer 1

Set up an equation like this and solve for x (which represents the number):

3(x + 6) = 2x - 5

3x + 18 = 2x - 5

x + 18 = -5

x = -23

You can complete a check to verify the answer:

3(-23 + 6) = 2(-23) - 5

3(-17) = -46 - 5

-51 = -51

Check.

Answer 2

We need to build two equations. We then need to make them equal to each other

Let’s have x as the number.
Ths sum of a number and 6 tripled.
We are first adding the number and 6: x+6
We need to triple it, meaning multiply by three:
3(x+6)

The result is five less than twice the number.
The equation we made equals the equation we are about to make.
We need to first multiply the number by two: 2x
Now subtract 5 since it’s five less: 2x-5

This is what our equation looks like:
2x-5=3(x+6)
Now we need to get x by itself.

Let’s first distribute.
2x-5=3x+18
Let’s add 5 to both sides.
2x=3x+23
Now, subtract 3x from both sides.
-1x=23
Divide.
23/-1=-23

If the number is -23, let’s check. We need to plug -23 in for x.
2(-23)-5=3(-23+6)
-46-5=3(-17)
-51= -51

So, the number is -23.