Question

the sum of 38 and three times a number is 89

Answer 1

38+3x=89 is the proper way to write this equation.

Now to solve, first subtract 38 from both sides (38-38 and 89-38)

3x=51

Now divide both sides by 3( 3x/3 and 51/3)

x=17

Answer 2

the sum of 38 and three times a number is 89

(38+3n) = 89

subtract 38 from each side

3n = 51

divide by 3

n = 17