Find a number that is 78 less than twice the opposite of itself

Question

Find a number that is 78 less than twice the opposite of itself

Answer 1

Let N = the number

Then -N represents the opposite of that number.

The number is:

N =

78 less than twice its opposite 2(-N) -78

That is:

N = 2(-N) -78

N = -2N - 78

3N = -78

N = -78/3 = -26

So it looks like the number is -26. Check to see what 78 less than twice its opposite is:

Its opposite is 26. Twice that is 52. 78 less than 52 is 52 - 78 = -26 (check).