SOLUTION: Three times the sum of 8 and twice an unknown number is equal to 4 times the sum of 3 times the unknown number and 8. Find the number. I got 2.66, but it doesn't work. Also, wha

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Numbers -> SOLUTION: Three times the sum of 8 and twice an unknown number is equal to 4 times the sum of 3 times the unknown number and 8. Find the number. I got 2.66, but it doesn't work. Also, wha      Log On

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Question 147235: Three times the sum of 8 and twice an unknown number is equal to 4 times the sum of 3 times the unknown number and 8. Find the number. I got 2.66, but it doesn't work. Also, what does "4 times the sum of 3 times the uknown number" mean mathmatically?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The statement "Three times the sum of 8 and twice an unknown number " translates to 3%288%2B2x%29 and the statement "4 times the sum of 3 times the unknown number and 8" translates to 4%283x%2B8%29. Altogether they form the equation 3%288%2B2x%29=4%283x%2B8%29


3%288%2B2x%29=4%283x%2B8%29 Start with the given equation.


24%2B6x=12x%2B32 Distribute.


6x=12x%2B32-24 Subtract 24 from both sides.


6x-12x=32-24 Subtract 12x from both sides.


-6x=32-24 Combine like terms on the left side.


-6x=8 Combine like terms on the right side.


x=%288%29%2F%28-6%29 Divide both sides by -6 to isolate x.


x=-4%2F3 Reduce.


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Answer:

So the answer is x=-4%2F3


Which approximates to x=-1.333