Question

. \twenty - seven less than twice a number is -1.\

Explanation:

Step1: Define the variable

Let the number be \( x \).

Step2: Translate the phrase

"Twice a number" is \( 2x \), "twenty - seven less than twice a number" is \( 2x - 27 \), and this equals - 1, so the equation is \( 2x-27=-1 \).

Step3: Solve the equation

Add 27 to both sides of the equation: \( 2x-27 + 27=-1 + 27 \), which simplifies to \( 2x = 26 \).
Then divide both sides by 2: \( x=\frac{26}{2}=13 \).

Answer:

The number is 13.