Hey there!
"Three times..." means that you will multiply some part of your equation by 3.
"...difference of a number and eight..." means that you will have (x – 8) in your equation.
"...is negative 15" means that your equation will be set to equal 15.
Altogether, your equation will be:
3(x – 8) = (–15)
All you need to do is solve for x.
First, distribute the three to x and –8.
3(x – 8) = (–15)
3x – 24 = (–15)
Now, add the 24 on the left side to both sides to cancel it out.
(3x – 24) + 24 = (–15) + 24
3x = 9
Finally, divide both sides by 3 to cancel the three in 3x.
(3x) ÷ 3 = (9) ÷ 3
x = 3
Your final answer will be 3.
Hope this helped you out! :-)
