If a number is multiplied by 3 and then decreased by 9, the result is 0. What is

If a number is multiplied by 3 and then decreased by 9, the result is 0. What is the number?

If a number is multiplied by 3 and then decreased by 9, the result is 0. What is the number?

Correct Answer: 3

Step 1: Let the unknown number be represented by the letter 'x'.
Step 2: According to the problem, if we multiply 'x' by 3, we write it as '3x'.
Step 3: Next, we decrease this result by 9, which we write as '3x - 9'.
Step 4: The problem states that this result equals 0, so we set up the equation: 3x - 9 = 0.
Step 5: To solve for 'x', we first add 9 to both sides of the equation: 3x - 9 + 9 = 0 + 9, which simplifies to 3x = 9.
Step 6: Now, we divide both sides of the equation by 3 to isolate 'x': 3x / 3 = 9 / 3, which simplifies to x = 3.
Step 7: Therefore, the number we are looking for is 3.

Algebraic Equations – The question tests the ability to set up and solve a linear equation based on a verbal description.
Operations with Variables – It assesses understanding of how to manipulate variables through multiplication and subtraction.