The difference of twice a number and five is three. Find the number.

Translate the word problem to an equation. Which steps describe how to solve the equation?

a. add 2 then multiply by 1/5

b. multiply by 1/2 then add 5

c. add 5 then multiply by 1/2

d. subtract 5 then multiply by - 1/2

So let's break down this equation:

The difference - > this means its going to be a subtraction problem.

of twice a number and five - > 2n - 5

is 3 - > = 3. Remember that "is" can be translated into an equal sign.

Putting our equation together, its 2n - 5 = 3.

Next, to solve an equation you want to isolate the variable. In this case, you have to add 5 on both sides then multiply by 1/2, or C, to solve the equation.