Question

the sum of negative one - third of a number and 16 is 11.

Explanation:

Step1: Define the variable

Let the number be \( x \).

Step2: Translate the sentence into an equation

"The sum of negative one - third of a number and 16 is 11" can be translated as \( -\frac{1}{3}x + 16=11 \).

Step3: Solve the equation for \( x \)

Subtract 16 from both sides of the equation:
\( -\frac{1}{3}x+16 - 16=11 - 16 \)
\( -\frac{1}{3}x=- 5 \)

Multiply both sides by - 3 to solve for \( x \):
\( x = (-5)\times(-3) \)
\( x = 15 \)

Answer:

The number is 15.