math for 7th grade

Question

five less than the product of 9 and a number is 40

Answer 1

In the question, “a number” means “x.” “Five less than” mean “-5.” So when the question says “the product of 9 and a number,” that means “9x.” Finally, the combination of the previous statements will be equal to 40.

The equation will look like this:

9x-5=40

To solve for x, you have to get x by itself. The first step is to add 5 on both sides. This will cancel out the “-5” on the left side.

9x-5+5=40+5

9x=45

The final step is to divide both sides by 9. This will cancel out the “9” on the left side.

9x/9=45/9

x=5

X or “a number” is equal to 5.