Number Problem 8 Solution

This is the solution to the Algebra Number word problem # 8 which read "The ratio of 16 more than a number to 12 less than that number is 1 to 3. What is the number?"



Ok a number is x - the unknown

The problem says that ration of 16 more than a number --> which is x + 16 to 12 less than that number(the number is still x) or x - 12 is 1 to 3

So we have (x + 16)/(x -12) = 1/3
Cross multiply and you get 3*(x + 16) = 1*(x - 12)

3x + 48 = x - 12

2x = - 60

x = -30

Check:
(-30 + 16)/(-30 - 12) =
-14/-42 = 14/ 42 = 1/3