A integer n is added to three the sum is then multiplied by three this result is five less than the original number

Question

what Is the integer in this problem?

Answer 1

Hi friend,

The integer is n

Added to 3 gives n+3.

The sum is multiplied by 3

(n+3)3

The result is 5 less than the original number

n-5 Now we combine them

(n+3)3= n-5

3n+9= n-5

Collecting like terms

3n-n=-5-9

2n= -14

n= -7

Lets test

(n+3)3= n-5 where n= -7

(-7+3)3= -7-5

(-4)3= -7-5

-12=-12

QED

Answer 2

Cailey,

Let’s rewrite this word problem into an algebra equation:

(n + 3) * 3 = (n - 5)

3n + 9 = n - 5

3n = n - 14

2n = -14

n = -7

You can plug n = -7 back into the first line to double check the solution, and it works.

Hope this helps! :)