16Hit1600
AlgebraMediumA number from two descriptions

Algebra practice question

Eight less than five times a number equals sixteen more than three times the number. What is the number?

Answer: 12

5n − 8 = 3n + 16, so 2n = 24 and n = 12.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 3
3 comes from 8n = 24, adding 3n instead of subtracting.
If you answered 4
4 comes from 2n = 8, subtracting 8 from 16 instead of adding.
If you answered -12
−12 comes from moving the terms with the wrong signs.

More Algebra questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.