5 less than a number is 18. What is the number (n)?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The problem states that 5 less than a number is 18. We can express this mathematically using the equation:n−5=18n – 5 = 18n−5=18
Where nnn represents the unknown number.
To solve for nnn, we need to isolate nnn on one side of the equation. To do this, we add 5 to both sides of the equation to cancel out the -5 on the left side. This gives:n−5+5=18+5n – 5 + 5 = 18 + 5n−5+5=18+5
Simplifying both sides:n=23n = 23n=23
Thus, the number is 23.
Explanation:
This type of problem is an example of a simple linear equation. When the phrase “5 less than a number” is used, it means that the number is decreased by 5, which is represented by subtracting 5 from the variable (in this case, nnn). The equation n−5=18n – 5 = 18n−5=18 simply means that if you subtract 5 from the unknown number, you get 18.
To solve, the goal is to find the value of nnn. To isolate nnn, we use the principle of equality, which says that if we do the same operation on both sides of the equation, the equation remains balanced. By adding 5 to both sides, we eliminate the -5 on the left side and get the value of nnn, which is 23.
So, the number that satisfies the given condition is 23.
