2 fifths of a number is 14. what is the number?

In math

"of" means times (x)

"is" means equals (=)

"a number" is your unknown which you can call anything but we'll call x

2/5 of a number is 14

Translation ...

2/5 * x = 14

Divide each side by 2/5 to isolate x. To divide a fraction, multiply the reciprocal of the divisor (flip the numerator and denominator).

x = 14 * 5/2

x = 70/2

x = 35

2/5 of 35 is 14.