Question

60 percent of a number, minus 17, is -65.

Explanation:

Step1: Define the number

Let the number be \( x \).

Step2: Translate the problem into an equation

"60 percent of a number" is \( 0.6x \), "minus 17" gives \( 0.6x - 17 \), and "is -65" means \( 0.6x - 17 = -65 \).

Step3: Solve for \( x \)

Add 17 to both sides: \( 0.6x = -65 + 17 = -48 \).
Divide both sides by 0.6: \( x = \frac{-48}{0.6} = -80 \).

Answer:

The number is \(-80\)