four times the sum of a number and three equal two less than five times the number. find the number

so, if x is the number, what is

the sum of the number and three?

That's the first step. Then keep going. If you get stuck, come back with what you got so far.

4 ( x + 3 ) = 5 x - 2

4 * x + 4 * 3 = 5 x - 2

4 x + 12 = 5 x - 2 Subtract 4 x to both sides

4 x + 12 - 4 x = 5 x - 4 x - 2

12 = x - 2 Add 2 to both sides

12 + 2 = x - 2 + 2

14 = x

x = 14

To solve this equation, let's break it down step by step:

Let's assume the number we are trying to find is represented by the variable "x".

According to the problem statement, "four times the sum of a number and three" can be written as "4(x + 3)".

And "two less than five times the number" can be written as "5x - 2".

The equation becomes:
4(x + 3) = 5x - 2

To solve for x, you need to expand the equation on the left side:
4x + 12 = 5x - 2

Now, let's isolate the variable on one side. We can do this by subtracting 4x from both sides of the equation:
4x - 4x + 12 = 5x - 4x - 2
12 = x - 2

Next, add 2 to both sides of the equation to isolate the variable:
12 + 2 = x - 2 + 2
14 = x

Therefore, the number we are looking for is x = 14.