Tracey T.

asked • 05/13/15

nine times he sum of a number and 8 is less than the sum of twice the number and 3, divided by 2

algebraic word problem

1 Expert Answer

By:

Andrew M. answered • 05/13/15

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Mathematics - Algebra a Specialty / F.I.T. Grad - B.S. w/Honors

See tutors like this
See tutors like this
If I read this write we have the following equation (letting the unknown number be X)
9(X + 8) < (2X + 3)/2
9X + 72 < (2X + 3)/2
 
Multiply by 2 to get rid of the fraction
 
18X + 144 < 2X + 3
 
Subtract 2X from both sides
 
16X + 144 < 3
 
Subtract 144 from both sides
 
16X < -141
 
Divide both sides by 16
 
X < -141/16
Upvote • 0 Downvote
More
Report

David W.

Special note:
 
Statement 1:  nine times the sum of a number and 8 is less than the sum of twice the number and 3, divided by 2
Statement 2:  nine times he sum of a number and 8 is less than the sum of twice the number and 3 divided by 2
 
Word (story) problems must be translated in precise algebra expressions.  Remember that in P-E-M-E-A-S (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally), values in Parenthesis are calculated first.  In English, the comma "," groups the words in the preceding phrase -- it works like parenthesis in algebra.  Without the comma, you might get:
      9(X + 8) < 2X + (3/2)     now, a wrong translation will likely produce the wrong answer (Andrew said "write" when he meant "right," right?)        In driver's ed, the student asked the instructor, "I turn left here, right?"
Report

05/14/15

David W.

Sorry, I messed up the joke.
 
Did the driving student say, "I'll be turning right." or did he ask, "I'll be turning, right?"
Report

05/14/15

Andrew M.

indeed I did.  I was distracted at work.  Lol.  But you are correct about writing the problems precisely.  Have a good one.
Andrew.
Report

05/14/15

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.