SAT Q: 4 less than 3X number is 2 more than number

[sara215]

ok this question is right out of my sat book

If 4 less than 3 times a certain number is 2 more than the number what is the number?
A. -1
B. -3
C. 1
D. 2
E. 3

ok the answer is E and I don't know how the answer is E, please help me!

 

[stapel]

If 4 less than 3 times a certain number is 2 more than the number what is the number?

ok the answer is [3] and I don't know how....

Three times the number 3 is 9.

Four less than 9 is 5.

Two more than the number 3 is 5.

These are equal.

...or did you mean that you need lessons on how to work with variables, translate English into math, and solve linear equations...?

Eliz.

 

[sara215]

oh wow! i cant believe i overlooked that solution, this probably was only simple arithmetic! brain fart for me haha..
thank you

 

[Mrspi]

ok this question is right out of my sat book

If 4 less than 3 times a certain number is 2 more than the number what is the number?
A. -1
B. -3
C. 1
D. 2
E. 3

ok the answer is E and I don't know how the answer is E, please help me!

Since in most "real-life" applications you don't KNOW the answer (if you did, why would you struggle with the problem??), I will try to help you find the answer yourself.

You're talking in this problem about "a certain number."

Let x = the "certain number"

Now, the problem refers to "4 less than 3 times a certain number." Translate that into mathematical symbols. "3 times a certain number" is 3x. "4 less than 3 times a certain number" is 3x - 4

"two more than the number" is x + 2

Now....

"4 less than 3 times a certain number is two more than the number"

3x - 4 = x + 2

Ok...you have an equation which states the conditions of the problem. Solve that for x.