nine less than five times a number is 26. What is the number?

Question

algebra question

Answer 1

5 (n) - 9     = 26  (When multiplied by 5, n is a number which when 9 is subtracted  is equal to  26.)       

5n   - 9     = 26   ( This is the equation you will solve.)

 5n -9 +9   = 26 +9  (Add 9 to both sides to begin to isolate the variable.)

5n             =  35   (This is what is left after the 9 is  added to both sides.) 

5n/5         =    35/5 (Divide both sides by 5 to remove he 5 from the n)

n              =    7 (This is the result)

Check your answer--------      (5 x 7)  -9  =26

                                                35 -9       = 26

Answer 2

Hello, Tiffany --

In this problem, you will set it up as a subtraction and multiplication, and then do the opposite operations to solve it. First, let's call the number you are looking for "n," and write an equation that explains the words in terms of symbols and numbers.

"9 less than 5 times a number" means to subtract 9 from 5n. We will set that equal to 26:

          5n - 9  =  26

Now we add 9 to both sides, so that we have the numbers on the right and the variable on the left:

           5n - 9  = 26
               + 9          + 9
___________________

            5n  +  0  = 35

Now divide both sides by 5 to leave 1 n on the left:

           5n/5  =  35/5

or              n  =  7

To check your answer, substitute 7 for n in the original equation:

         5(7) - 9  = 26    or 35 - 9 = 26

This is true, so your answer is correct.