SOLUTION: What is the equation for: three less than one-half a number is -71

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: What is the equation for: three less than one-half a number is -71      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 933679: What is the equation for: three less than one-half a number is -71
Answer by MathLover1(20850) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

if a number is x, then one-half a number is x%2F2
three less than one-half a number is x%2F2-3=-71
now you can solve for x
x%2F2-3=-71...both sides multiply by 2
2x%2F2-3%2A2=-71%2A2
x-6=-142
x=-142%2B6
x=-136