Let's use the variable, x, to represent the unknown number.
We can represent the words, "the sum of a number and six, as : x + 6
The words, " 2 less than the sum", can be represented as: x + 6 - 2
The words, "the product of the number and three", can be written as: 3x
Now create an equation using "is equal to" to join the expressions:
x + 6 -2 = 3x
Now combine like terms and use inverse operations to solve for x:
x + 6 -2 = 3x
x + 4 = 3x
x + 4 - x = 3x - x
4 = 2x
4/2 = 2x/2
2 = x
The unknown number is 2
