Question

If 4 is subtracted from twice a number, the result is 12 less than the number.
A. 2x – 4 = x + 12
x = 16
B. 2x + 4 = x – 12
x = –16
C. 2x + 4 = x + 12
x = 8
D. 2x – 4 = x – 12
x = –8

Answer 1

Let the number be x.

\(\color{Red}{\textbf{Twice the number = 2x.}} \)

"4 is subtracted from \(\color{red}{\bf{twice~ a~ number}}\)"

=> "4 is subtracted from \(\color{red}{\bf{2x}}\)

That means, 2x - 4

As the result is 12 less than number, that is : x - 12.

Therefore , 2x - 4 = x-12

Answer 2

so x equals -16 or -8?

Answer 3

-8.

\(2x -4 = x-12\)
\(2x - x = -12 + 4\)
\(x = -8\)