if the difference of a number and four is tripled, the result is six less than the number. Find the number

Question

translate into linear equation and solve it. 

Answer 1

The difference of a number and four: n - 4

is tripled: 3(). We use parentheses because the subtraction needs to happen before multiplication

Six less than the number: n - 6

 

The equation thus turns out to look like so:

3(n - 4) = n - 6

 

Distribute:

3n - 12 = n - 6

Subtract n from both sides:

3n - 12 - n = n - 6 - n

2n - 12 = -6

 

Next, you just need to add 12 to both sides, then divide both sides by 2 for your final answer.