Five less than three fifths of a number

Question

Hi,

 

i am working through a revision guide and do not understand how the answer to "Five less than three fifths of a number" is as follows.

 

 

(3x − 25)

-----------
      5

 

I understand where 3 over 5 has come from and that the x represents the unknown number in the above statement. I do not however understand where the 25 came from.

 

I would be most grateful for assistance / guidance.

 

Thanks

 

Guy

Answer 1

translate the sentence into an algebraic expression like this:

 

3x

---  - 5

 5

 

Now combine the two terms by getting a common denominator

 

the five is equal to 25/5 so that is substituted for it

 

 

3x   -25

---   ----

 5      5

 

this equals: 

 

  3x - 25

 ----------

     5