Three less than five times a number is eleven more than the number. What is the number????

Question

I don't know how to set up this problem it's really confusing 

Answer 1

I will set this up for you.

 

Let x = the number

 

Three less than five times the number is 5x - 3

 

Eleven more than the number is x + 11

 

So the problem says

 

5x - 3 = x + 11

 

Now just solve for x.  Can you take it from here?  

Answer 2

x =  number

 

5x - 3 = 11 + x (remember that "is" signals where to put = sign)

 

Subtract x from both sides

4x - 3 = 11

 

Add 3 to both sides

4x = 14

 

Divide both sides by 4

x = 14/4 = 7/2