intro to problem solving

Question

the sum of 3 times a number and 2 is the same as the difference of the number and 4. find the answer 

Answer 1

in word problems, the verb is usually =

 

sum of 3 times a number and 2 ⇒ 3N +2

 

difference of a number and 4 ⇒  N - 4

 

3N +2 = N -4

 

2N +2 = -4

 

2N = -6

 

N = -3

 

now, test N = -3 by plugging back to the two expressions

 

3(-3) +2 = -9 +2 = -7

(-3) - 4 = -7