Word problem

Question

Eight decreased by the product of a number and 3 is equal to 5. Write an equation and solve for the number.

Answer 1

Vanessa:

 

I like to start in English and move into Mathish, a little bit at a time if necessary:

 

"Eight decreased by the product of a number and 3 is equal to 5" 

 

^ Let's write "N" for "a number" ...

 

 

8 decreased by the product of N and 3 = 5

 

8 decreased by 3N = 5     <-- recall "3N" means "3 times N" or "3 times a number"

 

8 - 3N = 5

 

Now -- solve the equation by isolating "N!"

 

:PC

Answer 2

8-3x=5

 

or

 

-3x+8=5