Question

twelve less than one-fifth of a number is -7

Answer 1

welcome to OS!!
\[\frac{ 1 }{5}n-12=-7\]
Can you solve from there?

Answer 2

less than means subtract
is means equal sign
of means multiplying...

Answer 3

1/5x-12=-7
5(1/5x)-5(12)=5(-7)
x-60=-35
x=-35+60
x=25

Answer 4

or you can add the 12 to both sides and you will get \[\frac{ 1 }{ 5 }x=5\]
and then when you multiply 5 on both sides you will get \[x=25\]

Answer 5

@alangonsalez