If the sum of a number and nine is tripled, the result is five less than the number. Find the number.

- 16

Step-by-step explanation:

let n be the number then the sum of the number and nine is n + 9

Tripled means multiply by 3, thus

3 (n + 9) = n - 5 (5 less than the number)

3n + 27 = n - 5 (subtract n from both sides)

2n + 27 = - 5 (subtract 27 from both sides)

2n = - 32 (divide both sides by 2)

n = - 16

Thus the number is - 16