Solve It! A Math Puzzle: Numbers & Equations

Hey guys! Let's dive into a cool math problem that's a bit tricky, but super fun to solve. We're going to use our number-crunching skills to figure out the sum of three special numbers. Ready? Let's go!

Unveiling the Math Mystery: Understanding the Problem

Okay, so the problem starts like this: We have three numbers, and we need to find their total. But here's the catch – we don't know all the numbers right away! We have to do a little detective work to find them. The first number is easy – it's 150. Cool, one down! The second number is where things get interesting. It's equal to double the first number. So, we'll need to do some multiplying. Finally, the third number is a bit sneaky. It's 119 less than the second number. So we'll have to subtract. The question is how to write all of this into one big equation. This is a common type of math problem that tests your understanding of basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, and multiplication. These types of problems are designed to build your problem-solving skills, and your ability to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable steps. Don't worry if it sounds like a lot, because once we break it down, it's actually pretty straightforward! Remember, every problem is just a puzzle, and with a little bit of thinking, we can solve it. This type of question often appears in school tests or exams to check how well a student can use different mathematical operations together to find a solution. It helps to consolidate your understanding of mathematical concepts and how they are used. The cool thing is that, as we work through the problem, we're not just finding an answer, we're learning something new, and sharpening our skills. Let's make sure that we understand each of the values, so that when we get to the equation we are not confused. The first number, as we know, is one hundred and fifty, but what about the second? And what does the third look like? This is what we will work on next.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Unraveling the Clues

Let's take a closer look at the clues we have. The first number, as we already know, is 150. That's a solid start! The second number is the key to unlock the whole problem, since the other number depends on it. It's double the first number. "Double" means we multiply by two. So, to find the second number, we take 150 and multiply it by 2. This part is pretty easy, and once we get this, the next part is also easy. The third number is a bit different. It's not about multiplying but subtracting. It's 119 less than the second number. This means we'll need to subtract 119 from the second number. The value of the second number will inform the value of the third. This is why it's so important that we calculate it properly. These types of problems encourage us to think logically and step by step. They also show us how different parts of a math problem are connected. Remember that even if it seems a little difficult at first, with a little practice, these types of problems will become much easier! Now that we know what the values are, we can set up the equation, to solve the problem and give us the correct answer. The good thing is that we know all the steps.

Crafting the Equation: Putting It All Together

Now, let's put everything together and build our equation. Remember, we need to find the sum of all three numbers. So, we'll be using addition (+) in our final step. Here's how we can write it as a single equation: First, to find the second number, we need to multiply the first number (150) by 2. That looks like this: 150 * 2. Next, to find the third number, we take the second number (which is 150 * 2) and subtract 119. So that part looks like (150 * 2) - 119. Finally, to find the sum of all three numbers, we need to add the first number (150), the second number (150 * 2), and the third number ((150 * 2) - 119) together. This means our equation will look like this: 150 + (150 * 2) + ((150 * 2) - 119). Let's go through it one more time. We start with the first number, we add it to the result of the second number. And we add that to the result of the third number. This may look complex, but once we break it down, we can solve it easily! Now it's time to do the math and find our answer. Remember, the goal is to get to the answer, but also learn from the process. We are almost done! The hardest part is behind us. Now let's calculate the values of each number, and add them up. It's a matter of using the correct order of operations, and we will get the correct result. This step is the culmination of all the previous steps, so it's essential that we do it carefully and make sure we don't make any errors.

Solving the Equation: The Grand Finale

Alright, let's do the math! We're going to work through the equation step-by-step to make sure we get the correct answer. The first step is to calculate the second number: 150 * 2 = 300. So, the second number is 300. Now let's find the third number. We know that the third number is 119 less than the second number, which is 300. So, 300 - 119 = 181. The third number is 181! Finally, we add all three numbers together: 150 + 300 + 181 = 631. So, the sum of the three numbers is 631! Woohoo! We did it, guys! We successfully solved the problem and found the correct answer. We've shown how we can break down a complex math problem into simpler steps and solve it. It's important to keep practicing, and remember that even the trickiest problems can be solved with a little bit of thought and effort. Congratulations, we've successfully found the sum of the three numbers. This isn't just about finding an answer; it's about learning how to think like a mathematician. Each step we took, from understanding the problem to setting up the equation to solving it, is a valuable skill that we can use again and again. Keep practicing, and you'll find that math problems become less scary and more fun!

Final Answer: The Sum Revealed!

So, the sum of the three numbers is 631. We've successfully navigated through the problem, and now we know the answer! This entire process involved understanding the question, breaking it down into smaller parts, setting up an equation, and finally, solving it. That's a great example of the problem-solving process in action! Now, try making up your own number puzzles and see if you can solve them. That's how we become math wizards!