Using equations to solve word problems

Question

When 13 is reduced by one-third of a number, the result is 5. Find the number.

Answer 1

Let x = the unknown number The according to the information given

13 - (1/3)x = 5 or (1/3)x = 8 or x = 24

Answer 2

The problem:

When 13 is reduced by one-third of a number, the result is 5. Find the number.

Use "n" to represent the number. One third of the number would be n/3. Remember that reducing is the same as subtraction. So the equation is:

13 - (n/3) = 5

Subtract 5 from both sides of the equation.

8 - (n/3) = 0

Add n/3 to both sides of the equation.

8 = (n/3)

Multiply both sides by 3

24 = n And that's the answer