half a number decreased by by 8 is -3

Answer 1

This problem is all about translating the words into an equation.

Typically when reading a problem like this "is" indicates the equal sign.

Using x to represent the number we are looking for we can set up the equation:

(x/2) - 8 = -3

Now that we have the equation we solve for x by undoing the action on each side of the equal sign:

Add 8 to both sides:

x/2 = 5

Multiply by 2

x = 10