The quotient of two less than a number and five is eight

The number is 42.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let x be the unknown number.

"two less than a number" is x - 2

Quotient means the result of a division.

(x - 2) / 5 = 8

Multiply both sides by 5.

x - 2 = 40

Add 2 to both sides.

x = 42

Answer: The number is 42.

Check.

Start with 42. 2 less than 42 is 40. The quotient of 40 and 5 is 40/5 which is 8. The answer is correct.