Algebra problem?

I have this question that says..Define a variable, write an inequality, and solve. The sum of a number and three is less than nineteen less the number?

Comments

  • Let's call your variable 'x'.

    The inequality would be:

    x+3<x-19

    Now, you want to group all of the like terms. Let's begin with the normal digits.

    x+3<x-19

    Subtract three from each side (so that you can undo the three on the left side).

    You're left with 'x<x-22'.

    Now, you want to combine the two x's. So, subtract x from each side (undo the x on the right).

    You're left with 0x<-22.

    Divide each side by 0, and you know that

    X=undefined

  • x + 3 < x-19 This is the inequality.

    3< -19 This is derived from the above equation. because 3 is not less than -19, This inequality is not true, so there is no answer for it (undefined).

    the variable is x (defined as the unknown)

    Are u sure you copied the question right?

  • the equation would be n+3<n-19 . a variable is an unknown value in an expression or an equation. i'm not sure exactly how to solve it without writing anumber line, sorry.

  • No, these people got it backwards I think...

    it would be x + 3 < 19 - x

    that way it would be solved as follows:

    x + 3 < 19 - x

    2x < 16

    x < 8

    and if you plug it back in, it works :)

    Hopefully that helps :)

  • I agree with Laura, everyone else is reading the problem backwards

  • first - variable=x (or whatever letter you want, I don't care)

    x+3 < x-19

    x < x-22

    0 < -22

    the variable is undefined

  • i think you copied down the variable wrong because there is no division by 0 so that makes x undefined.

  • Guess and check all the way. yeah I know it sucks, but start low, and look for a pattern so you can find the numbers faster

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