Problema Solution

The product of some negative number and 3 less than twice that number is 527.Find the number.

Answer provided by our tutors

Let some number = n

some negative number = (-n)

3 less than twice that number = (2(-n)-3)

 

set it up into an equation:

(-n)(2(-n)-3)=527

 factor the (-n) into (2(-n)-3)

2n2 +3n = 527

Subtract 527

2n2 +3n - 527= 0

Common factors of 527 are 31 and 17 so factor the equation:

(2n-31)(n+17)=0

Solve for each individual factor = 0

2n-31=0 ;   n+17 = 0

n = 16  ;      n = -17