solving equations

Question

twenty more than three times a number is -4

Answer 1

Let n = the number

"more" means +

"3 times" means 3n

"is" means =

Equation: 3n + 20 = -4

To solve for the number:

Subtract 20 from both sides: 3n = -4 - 20 = -24

Divide both sides by 3: n = -24/3 = -8

CHECK: 3(-8) + 20 = -24 + 20 = -4

Answer: n = -8

Answer 2

“twenty more than” means +20

“three times a number” means 3y (or any other variable you choose)

“is -4” means =-4

Now put it all together to make an equation.

3y+20=-4

-20 -20

3y=-24

/3 /3

y=-8