Twice a number increased by eighteen is the number decreased by four. What is the number?

Question

Twice a number increased by eighteen is the number decreased by four. What is the number?

Answer 1

Let the number be x.

 

Translate: 2x + 18 = x - 4.

 

Subtract x from each side:  x + 18 = -4.

 

Subtract 18: x = -22.

 

Check:  2(-22) + 18 = -44 + 18 = -26;  -22 - 4 = -26.