Question

Five less than one third of a number is two more than half of the same number. Find the number.

Answer 1

5 less (-5) than 1/3 of number (n/3) is (=) 2 more than (2+) half of the number (n/2)


-5+n/3=2+n/2
add 5 to both sides
n/3=n/2+7
times 6 both sides
2n=3n+42
minus 2n both sides
0=n+42
minus 42 boh sides
-42=n

the number is -42


the number is 18

Answer 2

x/3 - 5 = 2 + x/2
solve for x
x = -42