I want to find a certain number which I will call [tex]\( X \)[/tex]. It is four times as great as another number which is two less than twenty. What is [tex]\( X \)[/tex]?

A. 24
B. 36
C. 48
D. 72
E. 96



Answer :

To find the value of [tex]\( X \)[/tex], we need to follow a series of steps to determine both the intermediate number and the final result.

1. Determine the Intermediate Number:
- We are told to find a number that is two less than twenty. To get this number, simply subtract 2 from 20:
[tex]\[ 20 - 2 = 18 \][/tex]

2. Calculate [tex]\( X \)[/tex]:
- [tex]\( X \)[/tex] is described as being four times as great as the number we found in the first step. Therefore, multiply the intermediate number by 4:
[tex]\[ 4 \times 18 = 72 \][/tex]

So, the value of [tex]\( X \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 72 \)[/tex]. Hence, [tex]\( X \)[/tex] is 72, which matches one of the provided options.

Therefore, [tex]\( X \)[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{72} \)[/tex].