Question

Twelve decreased by twice a number equals $-34$. Write an equation for this situation and then find the number.

Short answer

The equation of a given situation is $2x-12=-34$.

The solution of the equation $x=-11$.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Make the equation.

Twelve decreased by twice a number is $-34$.

Let the number be x .

The equation is$2x-12=-34$

Step 2. Isolate the variable.

$\begin{array}{l}2x-12=-34\\ 2x=-34+12\\ 2x=-22\end{array}$

Step 3. Find the value of x from the equation.

$\begin{array}{l}x=\frac{-22}{2}\\ x=-11\end{array}$