Question

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Part 1
Use the​ five-step strategy for solving word problems to find the number described.
When three times a number is decreased by four​, the result is 59. What is the​ number?

Answer 1

To solve the word problem using the five-step strategy, we will proceed as follows:

### Step 1: Understand the Problem
We need to find a number such that when it is multiplied by three and then decreased by four, the result is 59.

### Step 2: Define the Variable
Let the unknown number be represented by \( x \).

### Step 3: Set Up the Equation
According to the problem, the equation can be set up as follows:
\[
3x - 4 = 59
\]

### Step 4: Solve the Equation
Now, we will solve for \( x \).

1. Start by adding 4 to both sides of the equation:
\[
3x - 4 + 4 = 59 + 4
\]
Simplifying gives:
\[
3x = 63
\]

2. Now divide both sides by 3:
\[
x = \frac{63}{3}
\]
Simplifying gives:
\[
x = 21
\]

### Step 5: Check the Solution
To ensure our solution is correct, we will substitute \( x = 21 \) back into the original condition:
- Calculate three times the number:
\[
3 \times 21 = 63
\]
- Decrease that by four:
\[
63 - 4 = 59
\]
Since the result matches the original problem statement, our solution is confirmed.

### Final Answer
The number is \( \boxed{21} \).