five times a number decreased by 18 minus 4 times the same number is -36

Question

what is the number?

Answer 1

Carlos:

 

Let n=number we're trying to solve for.

 

We can now convert the words directly into the following algebraic expression:  5n-18-4n=-36

 

We can now solve this equation for n, as follows:

 

Put like terms together:  5n-4n-18=-36

 

Simplify and add 18 to both sides:  1n-18+18=-36+18

 

Now finish solving for n:  n=-18 (final answer)

 

 

Lets see if this number works in the word problem:  Five times -18 is -90

 

This result decreased by 18 is -90-18 which is -108

 

This result minus 4 times the same number is -108-4(-18) which is -108+72 which is equal to -36 (Check)