How do you translate into mathematical expressions and find the number given The total of three less than a number and seven is ten?

1 Answer
Jul 1, 2016

The equivalent mathematical expression is #(x-3) + 7 = 10 \iff x + 4 = 10 \iff x = 6#.

Explanation:

Let's write the unknown number as #x#.

"three less than the number" #\iff# "three less than #x#" #\iff# #x-3#.

"total of three less than the number and seven" #\iff# "total of #(x - 3)# and seven" #\iff# #(x-3) + 7 = x + 4#.

"total of three less than the number and seven is ten" #\iff# #x + 4 = 10#.

Now solve this : #x + 4 = 10 \iff x = 6#.