Question

30 subtracted from four times a number is 3 more than the number. What is the number?

Answer 1

`4n - 30= 3 + color(red)(n)`

Explanation:

Let's break this down one expression at a time. First, the word "is" means "equal to" or "=". Therefore:

"30 subtracted from four times a number" = "3 more than the number"

Next, let's name the variable or "a number" or "the number". Let's call "the number" `color(red)(n)`

"30 subtracted from four times `color(red)(n)`" = "3 more than `color(red)(n)`"

Then the right side of the equation can be completed. "3 more than" means to "add 3" giving:

"30 subtracted from four times `color(red)(n)`" `= 3 + color(red)(n)`

Next, "four times" means to "multiply" or "times" by "4" giving:

"30 subtracted from" `4 xx color(red)(n)` `= 3 + color(red)(n)`

Now, "30 subtracted from" this result means we need to subtract "30" from the expression giving:

`(4 xx color(red)(n)) - 30= 3 + color(red)(n)`

Or

`4n - 30= 3 + color(red)(n)`