Question

When 2 less than a number n is increased by 70%, the result is 8.5.
Write an equation to represent this statement and find the value of n.

Answer 1

Let n = the number.

Then 2 less then this number would be: n-2

Next we are told that (n-2) is increased by 70%. So we have the original value plus we have to add 70% more to it.

So we now have (n-2) + .70(n-2)

Next we are told that original value plus the increase of 70% equals 8.5

So we now have this (n-2) + .70(n-2) = 8.5

Now we just have to do a little housekeeping.

So we have this:

(n-2) ( 1+.70) = 8.5 distributive law
(n-2)(1.7) = 8.5 combine like terms

I probably wouldn't reduce the equation any more, since you asked to represent the statement.

To find n, you will have to keep going.

n-2 = 8.5/1.7
n-2=5
n=7