What is the number three times less than 8? This may seem like a simple mathematical question, but it can actually lead to a deeper understanding of how numbers work and how we can manipulate them. To answer this question, we need to first understand the concept of “three times less than” and then apply it to the number 8.
Numbers are the building blocks of mathematics, and they allow us to measure, compare, and quantify various aspects of the world around us. The phrase “three times less than” suggests that we need to subtract a certain amount from the original number, in this case, 8, and then do this three times. To put it another way, we need to find a number that is one-third of 8, and then subtract that number from 8 three times.
To find one-third of 8, we can divide 8 by 3. This gives us approximately 2.67. Since we need to subtract this number from 8 three times, we can perform the following calculation:
8 – 2.67 = 5.33
5.33 – 2.67 = 2.66
2.66 – 2.67 = -0.01
The final result is -0.01, which means that the number three times less than 8 is approximately -0.01. This may seem counterintuitive, as we usually think of “less than” as a positive value. However, in this case, the negative result indicates that we have subtracted a larger number (one-third of 8) from a smaller number (8) three times, resulting in a negative value.
This example demonstrates how numbers can be manipulated and how we can use mathematical operations to find answers to seemingly simple questions. By understanding the concept of “three times less than,” we can see that even a simple question can have an unexpected outcome. In the end, this exercise not only helps us to better understand numbers but also highlights the beauty and complexity of mathematics.
