Question

The sum of one third of a number and five is equal to six less than the number

Answer 1

Call the number : x

(1/3)x + 5 = x-6

=> (1/3)x + 5 - (x-6) = 0
=> (1/3)x + 5 - x + 6 = 0
Group (1/3)x with -x, 5 with 6

=> [(1/3)x - x] + (5+6) = 0
=> (-2/3)x + 11 = 0
=> (-2/3)x = -11
=> x = -11 : (-2/3) = 33/2.

Recheck : 1/3 x 33/2 + 5 = 33/6 + 5 = 63/6 = 21/2

33/2 - 21/2 = 12/2 = 6 (21/2 is 6 less than 33/2, satisfied.)