Question 203373
 Five times a number plus 2 equals 4 less than seven times the number. To find this number, denote it by x. 
(A) write a formula that represents five times x plus 2.
5x+2
or
5(x+2)
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(b) write a formula that represents 4 less than seven times x.
7x-4
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write an equation that says that the expression in (a) equals the expression in (b). 
5x+2 = 7x-2
2x = 4
x = 2
OR
5(x+2)=7x-4
5x+10 = 7x-4
2x = 14
x = 7
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Comment:  Your 1st verbal statement can be interpreted
in two ways.  It is a good example to show you that 
the English language is not always clear and that 
parentheses are important when it comes to writing 
expressions or equations.
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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