5 less than a number is equivalent to 1 more than three times the number. the number is

x = -1

Step-by-step explanation:

5 less than a number is equivalent to 1 more than three times the number

number = x

x - 5 = 3x + 1

now im going to get the numbers and variable on different sides

x - 5 + 5 = x

3x + 1 - 3x = 1

x + 3x = 4x

1 - 5 = -4

4x = -4

lastly im going to divide each side by 4

4x / 4 = x

-4 / 4 = -1

x = -1