After the number-thief stole five-sevenths of this number, only 30 was left. What was the number?

Imagine waking up one day to find that a notorious number-thief had infiltrated your life, leaving only a fraction of your precious number behind. In this blog post, we will embark on a mathematical journey to unravel the mystery of this number-thief’s heist. By the end of this exploration, you’ll understand how to solve such problems and unveil the missing number’s identity.

After the number-thief stole five-sevenths of this number, only 30 was left. What was the number?

The original number was 42. The number-thief took five-sevenths of it, leaving only 30 behind. This problem can be solved by setting up the equation (5/7) * X = 30 and then isolating X to find its value, which is 42.

The Clues:

Our story begins with a puzzling scenario: the number-thief has stolen “five-sevenths” of a certain number, leaving only 30 behind. Let’s call this elusive number “X.” We are tasked with finding the original value of X, which has now become a mathematical enigma.

Step 1: Setting Up the Equation

To uncover the value of X, we need to set up an equation based on the information provided. The number-thief took “five-sevenths” of X, leaving behind 30. We can represent this in equation form as:

(5/7) * X = 30

This equation reflects the fact that the thief took 5/7 of X, resulting in 30 remaining.

Step 2: Isolating X

Now, let’s isolate X by dividing both sides of the equation by 5/7, which is the fraction representing the portion stolen:

X = (30) / (5/7)

Step 3: Solving the Equation

To divide by a fraction, we can multiply by its reciprocal (the flipped fraction). In this case, the reciprocal of 5/7 is 7/5:

X = 30 * (7/5)

X = 42

Therefore, the original number, X, is 42.

Understanding the Solution:

Through our mathematical investigation, we have discovered that the number-thief stole 5/7 of the number X, leaving only 30 behind. The original number X was 42. This problem showcases the importance of algebraic equations in solving real-world scenarios and demonstrates how mathematical principles can help us decode complex situations.

Applications of Algebra:

Algebra, the branch of mathematics we used to solve this problem, plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives:

1. Finance: Algebra helps with budgeting, managing finances, and making investment decisions.
2. Engineering: Engineers use algebra to design and analyze complex systems.
3. Science: Algebraic equations are vital in scientific research and data analysis.
4. Problem-Solving: Algebra provides a structured approach to solving problems in many fields.
5. Education: Algebra is a fundamental skill taught in schools, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Conclusion:

The number-thief’s heist may have initially seemed perplexing, but by applying algebraic techniques, we successfully unveiled the stolen number’s identity. Algebra is a powerful tool that empowers us to tackle complex problems and find solutions. This mathematical adventure reminds us that even in the face of numerical mysteries, a methodical approach can lead us to the answers we seek.