Question 1210606
<pre>
Stated problems in algebra are problematic because English does not have 
'order of operation' rules like algebra, so sometimes they are ambiguous.


Four more than three times n equals -5

If that were meant to be interpreted this way:

(Four more than three) times n equals -5

it would be (3+4)n = -5
                7n = -5
                 n = -5/7 

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However, if it were meant to be interpreted this way:

four more than (three times n) equals -5

it would be 3n+4 = -5
              3n = -9
               n = -3 

I would assume that it is to be interpreted this way, using the operations of
mathematics (multiplication before addition).  Also, if you are taking algebra,
no intelligent teacher would likely be testing you to see if you could do
something as elementary as adding 3+4 to get 7. 

Edwin</pre>