20 less than a number is equal to the number. What is the number?

Question

Basic word problem question. Pre Algebra math question. 

Answer 1

Let x=number, and x-20 equals the number.  so, x=x-20, solve the equation.  No solution.

Answer 2

Start keeping a table to translate the words of story problems into precise, concise math expressions (variables and operations):

      is                =

     less than       -

 

" 20 less than a number is equal to the number"   means

   -20      +         x             =                 x

 

Re-write:

      x-20 = x

 

Hey !! There is no such number.  Perhaps, there is a type in the problem?