Word problems

12 is 6 times the difference between a number and 3. Find the number.

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Oct 18, 2010
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by: Karin

There are actually two ways to write the problem, thus giving us two different answers.

12 is 6 times the difference of a number and 3.

12 = 6(x - 3) let x represent the number

12 = 6x - 18

12 + 18 = 6x - 18 + 18

30 = 6x

30/6 = 6x/6

5 = x

5 is one answer.

The problem could also be written as:

12 = 6(3-x)
12 = 18 - 6x

12 - 18 = 18-18 - 6x

-6 = -6x

-6/-6 = -6x/-6

1 = x

Another answer is 1.

Since the difference between a number and 3 can be written as: x - 3 and 3-x, there are two answers.

Hope this helps,
Karin

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