Question

16 less than a number equals -19. what is the number?

Answer 1

We’ll use x to represent the mystery number.

“Sixteen less than” means subtraction, so we have 16 -

“Less than a number” simply means 16 - x

“Equals - 19” sets 16 - x equal to -19. In other words, 16 - x = -19

To solve, we subtract 16 to get x alone:

-x = -35

Divide the entire equation by -1 to make x positive:

-1(-x = -35) leaves us with x = 35

Answer 2

The number is -3 because -3 minus 16 equals -19.