Decrease a number by 5, divide the result by 2, then add 17 and multiply by 5. If the final result is 100, with what number did you start?

[( x-5)/2 + 17] * 5 = 100

Divide both sides by 5.

(x - 5)/2 + 17 = 20

Subtract 17 from both sides.

(x - 5)/2 = 3

Multiply both sides by 2.

x - 5 = 6

Add 5 to both sides.

x = 11

To find the number you started with, we need to reverse the operations.

Let's start by solving the equation to find the unknown number:

Step 1: Reverse the multiplication operation by dividing the final result (100) by 5.
Final result divided by 5 = 100 ÷ 5 = 20

Step 2: Reverse the addition operation by subtracting 17 from the previous result.
Result minus 17 = 20 - 17 = 3

Step 3: Reverse the division operation by multiplying the previous result by 2.
Result multiplied by 2 = 3 x 2 = 6

Step 4: Reverse the subtraction operation by adding 5 to the previous result.
Result plus 5 = 6 + 5 = 11

Therefore, the number you started with is 11.