Question

the sum of 3 times a number and 2 is the same as the difference of the number and 4. Find the number

Answer 1

x= a number
"the same as"= the equal sign
sum= addition
times= multiplication
difference= subtraction


3x + 2= x - 4
subtract x from both sides

2x + 2= -4
subtract 2 from both sides

2x= -6
divide both sides by 2

x= -3


ANSWER: The number is -3.

Hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

3(x+2)=x-4
3x+6=x-4
3x=x-10
2x=-10
X=-5

CHECK: -5-4=-9
3(-5+2)= 3(-3)= -9