If a number is decreased by 8 and the difference is multiplied by 10, this product is 50. Find the number

Answer 1

I always solve these types of problems using the basic x and y for my variables.

a number (x), decreased by 8 is a number (y)---> x-8=y

the number (y) multiplied by 10=50 ---> y(10)=50

quite simple

Next, I would just solve the second equation for y

y(10)=50

divide both sides by 10

y(10)/10=50/10

y ends up being by itself

y=5

now we would just plug in 5 to the top equation (x-8=y)

to find the original number

X-8=5

add 8 to both sides

x=13

Answer 2

OK let's start by using a variable for the number: n

The number is decreased by 8: n - 8

This difference (n-8) is multiplied by 10: 10(n-8)

This product (the 2 numbers multiplied above) is 50: 10(n-8) = 50

Find "n" (solve for "n"):

Divide both sides by 10: n - 8 = 5

Add 8 to both sides: n = 8+5 = 13

Check: 13 - 8 = 5; 10(5) = 50 checks!

Answer: The number = 13.