Answer to Question #260639 in Algebra for Bards

Question

Consider the following procedure: Pick a number. Add 6 to the number. Multiply the sum by 2. Subtract 12 from the product. Divide the difference by 2. Suppose we pick -8, then what is the resulting number? 

Answer 1

Suppose we pick the number $a.$ Then the resulting number is

$$\dfrac{(a+6)\cdot2-12}{2}=a+6-6=a$$

We ontain the same number.

Therefore if we pick -8, then the resulting number is -8.