Answer:
-3
Step-by-step explanation:
A number, n, decreased by 5: n - 5
3 times the number +1 = 3*n + 1 = 3n + 1
3n +1 = n -5
Subtract 1 from both sides
3n = n - 5 - 1
3n = n - 6
Subtract 'n' from both sides
3n - n = -6
2n = -6 {Divide both sides by 2}
n = -6/2
n = -3
The number = - 3
