Six less than twice a number x is four
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
We are given the equation:
Six less than twice a number x is four
Let’s translate this into a mathematical equation step by step:
- “Twice a number x” means 2x
- “Six less than twice a number x” means 2x – 6
- “Is four” means = 4
So, the full equation is:
2x – 6 = 4
Now, solve the equation:
Step 1: Add 6 to both sides to get rid of the minus 6:
2x – 6 + 6 = 4 + 6
2x = 10
Step 2: Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x:
2x ÷ 2 = 10 ÷ 2
x = 5
Final Answer:
x = 5
Explanation:
To solve the equation “six less than twice a number x is four,” the first step is to understand what each phrase means in terms of algebra.
“Twice a number x” is translated to 2x, because “twice” means multiplying the number by 2. When we see “six less than twice a number,” that indicates that we subtract 6 from the expression 2x, which gives us 2x – 6. Finally, the phrase “is four” tells us that this entire expression is equal to 4. So, the full equation is written as 2x – 6 = 4.
From here, we begin solving the equation. The goal is to isolate the variable x. The first step is to eliminate the subtraction by adding 6 to both sides of the equation. When you do the same thing to both sides, you keep the equation balanced. So, 2x – 6 + 6 becomes 2x, and 4 + 6 becomes 10. The new equation is 2x = 10.
The next step is to get x by itself. Since 2x means 2 times x, you do the opposite of multiplication, which is division. Divide both sides of the equation by 2. That gives x = 5.
This means the number we were looking for is 5. If you want to check your answer, plug it back into the original phrase: Twice 5 is 10, and six less than that is 4. The answer is correct.
