If Clara doubles a number and then adds 3 , the result is 23 . The original number is
(A) 13
(B) 10
(C) 49
(D) 17
(E) 20
Solution 1

Since double the original number plus 3 is 23 , then double the original number must equal 20 (that is, $23-3$ ).

Therefore, the original number is 20 divided by 2 , or 10 .

## Solution 2

Let the original number be represented by the variable $x$.

Then doubling the original number and adding 3 gives $2 x+3$.

Thus, $2 x+3=23$ or $2 x=23-3=20$, so $x=\frac{20}{2}=10$.

ANSWER: (B)

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