SOLUTION: Thank you in advance for your help and your time. I have tried this and it does work out, but I cannot figure out why! Can you explain? Think of a number. Add 7. Double the re

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: Thank you in advance for your help and your time. I have tried this and it does work out, but I cannot figure out why! Can you explain? Think of a number. Add 7. Double the re      Log On

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Question 232261: Thank you in advance for your help and your time. I have tried this and it does work out, but I cannot figure out why! Can you explain?
Think of a number.
Add 7.
Double the result.
Subtract 8.
Double the result.
Add 12.
Divide by 4.
Subtract 6.
Your answer will be the original number. Explain how this trick works.
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, Alan3354:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Think of a number.
Add 7.
Double the result.
Subtract 8.
Double the result.
Add 12.
Divide by 4.
Subtract 6.
Your answer will be the original number. Explain how this trick works
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The various math operations cancel one-another out.
-------------------------------------------
Start with "x"
Add 7 to get "x+7"
Double to get "2x+14"
Subtract 8 to get "2x+6"
Double to get "4x+12"
Add 12 to get "4x+24"
Divide by 4 to get "x+6"
Subtract 6 to get "x"
------------------------------
You ended up where you started.
------------------------------
Cheers,
Stan H.

Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Think of a number.
Add 7.
Double the result.
Subtract 8.
Double the result.
Add 12.
Divide by 4.
Subtract 6.
Your answer will be the original number. Explain how this trick works.
--------
Steps in order:
n
n+7
2n+14
2n+6
4n+12
4n+24
n+6
n