Answer:
- 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
