Question 242523
write the verbal sentence as an equation. then solve the equation.
:
Let x = :the number"
:
Just write exactly what is says, (the word "is" usually means "=")
:
fourteen minus the product of 3 and a number is 26.
14 - 3x = 26
:
subtract 14 from both sides:
-3x = 26 - 14
-3x = 12
:
The variable has to be positive, multiply both sides by -1 to change the signs
3x = -12
:
Divide both sides by 3
x = {{{(-12)/3}}}
x = -4
:
:
Check solution in the given statement:
"fourteen minus the product of 3 and a number is 26."
14 - 3(-4) = 26
14 + 12 = 26 ( minus time a minus is plus)