Question

If you take a number, times by 3 then add 6. You get the same as if you took the number, times by 6 then subtract 3. What is the number?

Answer 1

Answer: 3

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the number be x

3x + 6 = 6x - 3

Collect like terms

6 + 3 = 6x - 3x

9 = 3x

3 = x

x = 3

Answer 2

Answer: The number is -1

Step-by-step explanation:

We have to look at this question line by line, interpret each line and solve the question step by step.

Line 1: Take a number

Let the number be any letter of your choice, I'm going with x

Line 2: Times by 3

This means;

x*3 which is 3x

Line 3: Subtract 6

This means; 3x minus 6

3x-6

Line 4: You get the same as

This means equal to

∴ 3x-6=

Line 5: Take the number and times it by 7

[The number:] x*7=7x

3x-6=7x...

Line 6: Subtract 2

3x-6=7x-2

Now, we have fully interpreted the question, we now solve mathematically;

Collect like terms, (7x and 3x) and (-6 and -2)

3x - 7x = 6 - 2

-4x=4

Divide both sides by -4

(-4x ÷ -4) = (4 ÷ -4)

x=-1

Therefore, the number is -1