SOLUTION: How do I solve this problem? One-third of a number is 5 less than half of the same number. What is the number?

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: How do I solve this problem? One-third of a number is 5 less than half of the same number. What is the number?      Log On


   



Question 15884: How do I solve this problem?
One-third of a number is 5 less than half of the same number. What is the number?

Answer by pwac(253) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x=number
x%2F3=%28x%2F2%29-5take the variables to same side remember to change sign
x%2F3-x%2F2=-5you need common denominator for variables,in this case 6
%282x-3x%29%2F6=-5multiply both sides by 6 to give:
2x-3x=-30
-x=-30 multiply both sides by -1 to get
x=30
Put this into first equation to check
Pete