Four more than three-fifths of a number is thirteen what number is it

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

Answer: 15

Discussion.

Call the number referred to "n". Then the problem statement becomes:

4 + (3/5) * n = 13

Multiply both sides of the equation by 5:

5 (4 + (3/5) * n) = 13 * 5 or

5*4 + 5 * (3/5) * *n = 13*5

Cancelling the boldfaced 5's gives:

5*4 + 3*n = 13 * 5 or

20 + 3*n = 65

Subtracting 20 from both sides gives:

3*n = 65-20 - 45

Dividing by 3 gives n = 15

Check: 4 + (3/5) * 15 = 4 + 9 = 13! Bingo

Regards, MrB