3 times 21 more than a number is 12. What is the number?

Answer: x = - 17

Form your equation, where x is the number.

3 (x + 21) = 12

Solve for x.

3 (x + 21) = 12 Distributive Property

3x + 63 = 12 Subtract 63 from both sides

3x = - 51 Divide by 3 to both sides

x = - 17 Answer!

Turn it into an equation then solve.

3 (x + 21) = 12

3x + 63 = 12

3x = - 51

x = - 17