If 1 is subtracted from a number and this difference is tripled the result is 23 more than the number

The number is 13

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the number be y

1 is subtracted from the number. This can be written as:

y – 1

The difference is tripled. This can be written as:

3(y – 1)

The result of the difference tripled is 23 more than the number. This can be written as:

3(y – 1) = 23 + y

Thus, we can obtain the value of y as follow:

3(y – 1) = 23 + y

Clear bracket

3y – 3 = 23 + y

Collect like terms

3y – y = 23 + 3

2y = 26

Divide both side by 2

y = 26 / 2

y = 13

Thus, the number is 13.