If a certain number is added to 36, the result is the same as if it were multiplied by 4. find the number

Question

If a certain number is added to 36, the result is the same as if it were multiplied by 4. find the number

Answer 1

Let's say that this "certain number" is x. If we are adding that "certain number" to 36, then x+36 equals something. That "certain number," referred to as "it" in the second part, then also must be multiplied by 4 (4x) to get the same result as x+36, therefore:

x+36=4x

-x -x

36=3x

3 3

12=x

Check yourself:

If 12 is added to 36, it equals 48.

If 12 is multiplied by 4, the result is 48 as well.

Answer 2

Let N be the unknown number.

Turn the first sentence into an equation:

36 + N = N*4

Rearrange and solve for N:

4N - N = 36

3N = 36

N = 12