The difference of two times a number and five is eight more than the number

Answer 1

The difference of two times a number and five would be 2x - 5

Eight more than the number would be x + 8

From its wording, it suggests an equality therefore your equation would b 2x - 5 = x + 8

Short solution:

2x - 5 = x + 8 (transpose like terms to one side of the equation)

2x - x = 8 + 5

x = 13

Long solution:

2x - 5 = x + 8 (transpose 5)

2x = x + 8 + 5 (combine like terms)

2x = x + 13 (transpose x)

2x - x = 13 (combine like terms)

x = 13

Substitute the answer to the equations:

2x - 5 with x = 13 would be

2(13) - 5

26 - 5 = 21

x + 8 with x = 13 would be

13 + 8 = 21

The two equations gave the same result therefore 13 is the number.