Question

Seven times a number decreased by 7 is 56. find the number.

Answer 1

Answer:

Seven times a number and seven is equal to six times a number.

Word problems can be tricky no matter what level of math or science you are in.

First look at the question for words that indicate mathematical symbols.

"times" indicates multiplication

"and" indicates addition

"a number" means we have a variable, x, to solve for

Now we can go from left to right and write it in a mathematical equation

7x + 7 = 6x

Then, solve for x

7x + 7 = 6x

7 = 6x - 7x

7 = -1x

7/-1 = x

x = -7

Finally, we check our work.

7x + 7 = 6x

7(-7) + 7 = 6(-7)

-49 + 7 = -42

-42 = -42 √

The answer is x = -7