Three more than a number is -5. How do you find the number?

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Answer 1 · 2016-10-20T20:01:07

#x=-8#

Examples like these are the first steps in learning how to solve problems by making and and solving an algebraic equation.

"Three more than" means 3 added to some number.

In this case, let "the number" be #x#

"Three more than a number" is written as #x +3#

"is -5" tells us the answer. It means something #= -5#

Put all this together ....

#x+3 = -5" "larr# now solve the equation

Subtract 3 from both sides

#x+3 color(red)(-3) = -5 color(red)(-3)#

#x = -8#