the difference of three times a number and 4 is -19

Answer 1

We first need to translate the word problem into a numerical equation.

"The difference" tells us we will be using subtraction.

"three times a number" tells us 3x with 'x' being our variable in this case

"is -19" translates to = -19

Putting all of that together, we have:

3x - 4 = -19

So now we simplify and solve for 'x'.

3x - 4 = -19

3x = -15 After adding 4 to both sides

x = -5 After dividing by 3 on both sides to get 'x' by itself

We can check our work by plugging our answer in for 'x'.

3x - 4 = -19

3(-5) - 4 = -19

-15 - 4 = -19

-19 = -19

Our answer of x = -5 checks out. Let me know if you need any clarification!