Question

5 less than a number is equivalent to 1 more than three times the number

The number is ??

Answer 1

-3

Explanation:

Let x equal the mystery number

Our equation will be:

x - 5 = 1 + 3x

Subtract x from both sides

-5 = 1 + 2x

Subtract 1 from both sides

-6 = 2x

Divide both sides by 2

-3 = x