SOLUTION: This is probably so very basic but I'm starting to get lost with word problems and can't figure out how to formulate the problem. Twice the difference of a number and 8 is equa

Question 227645: This is probably so very basic but I'm starting to get lost with word problems and can't figure out how to formulate the problem.
Twice the difference of a number and 8 is equal to three times the sum of the number and 3. Find the number. I know the answer should be -25 (answer sheet).
Answer by Alan3354(69443) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Twice the difference of a number and 8 is equal to three times the sum of the number and 3. Find the number. I know the answer should be -25 (answer sheet).
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2*(n - 8) = twice the diff of number and 8
3*(n + 3) = 3 times the sum of the number and 3
2(n-8) = 3(n+3)
2n-16 = 3n+9
-n = 25
n = -25
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The difference could be 8-n, also.
2(8-n) = 3(n+3)
16-2n = 3n+9
5n = 7
n = 7/5
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The difference is one number minus the other, it could be either way. The problem is not well defined.

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