Question

Translate and solve:Five less than two-thirds of a number is three. Find the number.

Answer 1

Let the number be x

step 1: Two-thirds of the number x is

$\frac{2}{3}x$

step 2: Five less than two-thirds of the number is

$\frac{2}{3}x-5$

step 3: Equals 3

$\frac{2}{3}x-5=3$

step 4: Solve for x

$\begin{gathered} \frac{2}{3}x-5=3 \\ \text{collect like terms} \\ \frac{2}{3}x=3+5 \\ \frac{2}{3}x=8 \\ \text{Multiply both sides by the denominator 3} \\ \frac{2x}{3}\times3=8\times3 \\ 2x=24 \\ x=\frac{24}{2}=12 \end{gathered}$

Therefore, the number is 12