Three times a number plus 12 minus 5 times the same number is 22

Three times (3 ·) a number (x) plus (+) 12 minus (-) 5 times (·) the same number (x) is (=) 22

3x + 12 - 5x = 22 Combine like terms (3x and - 5x)

-2x + 12 = 22 Subtract 12 from both sides

-2x = 10 Divide both sides by - 2

x = - 5

1. a number is represented by "x"

3x + 12 - 5x = 22

12 - 2x = 22

-2x = 10

x = - 5

2. (45) + (45) + (45 + 6x) = 303

job 1, 2, 3 equals total for the day

135 + 6x = 303

6x = 168

x = 28

the plumbers hourly rate is $28/hr