Question

When a number is increased by 26, the result is tripled. Then the result is increased by 72. If the final result is 1/2 of the number, what is the value of this number?

Answer 1

Answer:

-60.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the unknown number be x.

Number is increased by 26 = x+26

Then result is tripled = 3(x+26)

Then the result is increased by 72 = 3(x+26)+72

Final result is $\dfrac{1}{2}$ of the number = $\dfrac{1}{2}x$

$3(x+26)+72=\dfrac{x}{2}$

$3x+78+72=\dfrac{x}{2}$

$3x+150=\dfrac{x}{2}$

Isolate variable terms.

$3x-\dfrac{x}{2}=-150$

$\dfrac{6x-x}{2}=-150$

Multiply both sides by 2.

$5x=-300$

Divide both sides by 5.

$x=-\dfrac{300}{5}$

$x=-60$

Therefore, the required number is -60.