Two less than the sum of a number and six is equal to the product of the number and three. What is the number?

Answer 1

Hi Janiah,

Let's use the variable, x, to represent the unknown number.

We can represent the words, "the sum of a number and six, as : x + 6

The words, " 2 less than the sum", can be represented as: x + 6 - 2

The words, "the product of the number and three", can be written as: 3x

Now create an equation using "is equal to" to join the expressions:

x + 6 -2 = 3x

Now combine like terms and use inverse operations to solve for x:

x + 6 -2 = 3x

x + 4 = 3x

x + 4 - x = 3x - x

4 = 2x

4/2 = 2x/2

2 = x

The unknown number is 2