Let's translate this into an equation, one step at a time.
Five times the sum ⇒5×()
( of a number and 2) ⇒(n+2)
is ⇒ =
eleven less than the number times 8.
n×8 - 11
Note: use PEMDAS rules to evaulate this.
So,
5×(n+2) = n×8 - 11
Use the distributive law to expand the left-hand side of the equation:
5n + 5×2 = 5n + 10 = 8n - 11
Subtract 10 from both sides:
5n = 8n - 21
Subtract 8n from both side:
-3n = -21
Divide both sides by the coefficient of the variable, -3.
n = 7
Are we done yet?
NO!
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR ANSWER!
5×(7) + 10 = 35 + 20 = 45
8n - 11 = 8×(7) - 11 = 56- 11 = 45
So, n = 7, verified solution.
