Two less than the sum of a number and six is equal to the product of the number and three. What is the number?

Let's use the variable, x, to represent the unknown number.

We can represent the words, "the sum of a number and six, as : x + 6

The words, " 2 less than the sum", can be represented as: x + 6 - 2

The words, "the product of the number and three", can be written as: 3x

Now create an equation using "is equal to" to join the expressions:

x + 6 -2 = 3x

Now combine like terms and use inverse operations to solve for x:

x + 6 -2 = 3x

x + 4 = 3x

x + 4 - x = 3x - x

4 = 2x

4/2 = 2x/2

2 = x

The unknown number is 2

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