Eight less than 3 times a number is equal to -3 plus twice the number

Question

I am very bad at verbal sentences. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Hello, Alexis

 

Break it down.  I don't mean start dancing !!! I mean break down the problem and look for the key words. 

 

twice the number: 2x

three times a number: 3x

eight less than  = subtract 3 from.... be careful with this one.  Here are some examples with the phrase "less than"

 

a)  5 less than 8:    8-5

b)  3 less than a number:  x-3

c)   1 less than twice a number:  2x-1

 

So, less then, means that you are subtracting that number from... 8, x, 2x in my examples.  And don't forget that the commutative property does not work in subtraction.  Why?? 7-4 is not the same as 4-7.  So, when you subtract, you have to be careful which number you write first.

 

Ok, coming back to your problem

a) eight less than three times a number=  3x-8

b) -3 plus twice a number: -3+2x

3) the word "is" means the equal sign

 

So, putting it all together, we get

 

3x-8= -3+2x

 

Well, I hope this helps a little, and don't forget about "less than" and to rate my answer :).

 

D. Y. T.