Six times a number a number increased by three is negative twenty-one. Find the number and write the equation

Answer 1

Let's let x represent the unknown number. Then "six times a number" would be:

6x

Next, "increased by three" would mean to add three:

6x + 3

The words "is negative twenty one) can be represented by :

6x + 3 = -21

To solve this equation and find the missing number, x , use inverse operations:

6x + 3 = -21

6x + 3 - 3 = -21 -3

6x = -24

6x/6 = -24/6

x = -4