Number Detective puzzle: Subtract 784 from the secret number to get 12 grand.

A cartoon detective in a blue coat and hat holds a magnifying glass, standing next to a math puzzle that reads "If you subtract 784 from the secret number you get 12 grand." The image is labeled "Number Detective" and "Friday's Clue."

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Show Answer Key & Explanations Step-by-step solution for: Number Detective Puzzles

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To find the secret number, I need to work backwards from the clue.

Step 1: Understand what "12 grand" means.
"Grand" is a common word for thousand. So, 12 grand equals 12,000.

Step 2: Set up the equation.
The problem says: "If you subtract 784 from the secret number you get 12,000."
Let $x$ be the secret number.
$$x - 784 = 12,000$$

Step 3: Solve for the secret number.
To find $x$, I need to do the opposite of subtraction, which is addition. I will add 784 to 12,000.
$$x = 12,000 + 784$$

Step 4: Calculate the sum.
$$12,000 + 784 = 12,784$$

Verification:
If I take 12,784 and subtract 784, do I get 12,000?
$$12,784 - 784 = 12,000$$
Yes, the calculation is correct.

Final Answer:
12,784

Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mystery number worksheet.

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