two times the sum of number and 5 is 20

Answer 1

In symbols

2(n + 5) = 20

Answer 2

Hi there Kennasia!

This problem is introducing you to variables, and solving for numbers, building on what you already know (adding & subtracting, multiplying & dividing, etc.).

Let's read through and set up the equation we need.

Two times the sum of a number and five equals 20:

2 * (n + 5) = 20

I see "two times" and immediately think of "2* something."

That something is then filled in by "the sum of..." so I think of (__+__). Based on the wording, and remembering my PEMDAS order of operations, I knew I needed the parentheses to get the sum before multiplying by 2, thus in a way protecting the sum.

Finally, the sum is given as a number, that I name n, and 5, and we are told that the whole statement solves out to 20.

2 * (n+5) = 20

Now, we want to solve for n. So we have to move everything away from the n to isolate it. Keeping order of operations in mind, the most exposed piece of this equation is the " 2 *, " so we divide both sides by 2. Remember that what we do to one side, we must do to the other side to maintain the equality.

2 * (n+5) = 20

2 2

Now we have:

n+5 = 10

We're almost there - now we just subtract 5 from both sides:

n+5 = 10

-5 -5

n = 5

So now we know that the value of n is 5!

Hope this helps! Please reach out if you have any further questions.

P.S. If math ever feels boring, try thinking of ways it can apply in the real world or in your life. Plus, I always had fun with math because it feels like a puzzle, so I hope you enjoy puzzles!