To solve the equation ‘what plus what times what equals 42’, we need to find three numbers that satisfy the condition: A + B × C = 42. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
1. **Understand the Equation**: The equation is A + B × C = 42. According to the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), multiplication is performed before addition. So, B × C is calculated first, and then A is added to the result.
2. **Find Possible Values for B and C**: Since B × C must be a product that, when added to A, equals 42, we can start by listing pairs of numbers whose product is less than or equal to 42. For example, if B = 6 and C = 7, then B × C = 42. In this case, A would have to be 0 to satisfy the equation (0 + 6 × 7 = 42).
3. **Explore Other Combinations**: There are multiple combinations that can satisfy the equation. For instance, if B = 5 and C = 8, then B × C = 40. Adding A = 2 would give us 2 + 5 × 8 = 42.
4. **General Solution**: The equation A + B × C = 42 has infinitely many solutions depending on the values of A, B, and C. You can choose any two numbers for B and C, calculate their product, and then determine A by subtracting the product from 42.
**Example**:
– If B = 3 and C = 10, then B × C = 30. Therefore, A = 42 – 30 = 12. So, 12 + 3 × 10 = 42.
In summary, the equation ‘what plus what times what equals 42’ can be satisfied by various combinations of numbers. The key is to ensure that the product of B and C, when added to A, equals 42.