1. **State the problem:** A number is increased by 17, then the result is tripled, and the final value is 24. 2. **Create the equation:** Let the number be $x$. Increasing it by 17 gives $x + 17$. Tripling this result means multiplying by 3, so the equation is: $$3(x + 17) = 24$$ 3. **Solve the equation:** Start with: $$3(x + 17) = 24$$ Divide both sides by 3 to isolate $x + 17$: $$\frac{\cancel{3}(x + 17)}{\cancel{3}} = \frac{24}{3}$$ which simplifies to: $$x + 17 = 8$$ 4. **Find $x$:** Subtract 17 from both sides: $$x + 17 - 17 = 8 - 17$$ $$x = -9$$ **Final answer:** The number is $-9$.