Twice the sum of a number and 6 is equal to three times the difference of the number and 3. Find the

Discussion in 'Calculator Requests' started by math_celebrity, Jan 9, 2024.

  1. math_celebrity

    math_celebrity Administrator Staff Member

    Twice the sum of a number and 6 is equal to three times the difference of the number and 3. Find the number.

    The phrase
    a number means an arbitrary variable, let's call it x.

    The sum of a number and 6 means we add 6 to x:
    x + 6

    Twice the sum of a number and 6 means we multiply x + 6 by 2:
    2(x + 6)

    the difference of the number and 3 means we subtract 3 from x
    x - 3

    three times the difference of the number and 3 means we multiply x - 3 by 3:
    3(x- 3)

    The word is means we set 2(x + 6) equal to 3(x - 3)
    2(x + 6) = 3(x - 3)

    Use the distributive property to multiply through:
    2x + 12 = 3x - 9

    Subtract 2x from each side:
    2x - 2x + 12 = 3x - 2x - 9
    x - 9 = 12

    Add 9 to each side:
    x - 9 + 9 = 12 + 9
    x = 21

     
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2024

Share This Page