Answer:
18
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the number, write an algebraic equation with the given information. Let the variable n represent the unknown number.
Now, break it by parts - "three times a number" would be [tex]3n[/tex]. The "is" means that it equals something, giving us [tex]3n =[/tex]. "36 less than 5 times the number" would be subtracting 36 from whatever 5 times the number is: [tex]5n -36[/tex]. So, put it all together and it is [tex]3n = 5n-36[/tex].
Next, solve the equation for n. The answer will be the number.
[tex]3n = 5n-36\\0 = 2n - 36\\36 = 2n \\n = 18[/tex]
Thus, the number is 18.
