Twice the difference of a number and 2 is 8.

Question

Twice the difference of a number and 2 is 8.

use the variable x for the unknown number.

Answer 1

probably x=6

as 2(6-2) = 8

but often

x=6 or -2

as

2|-2-2|=8

either

2(x-2) = 8

or

2|x-2| = 8

represent twice the difference of a number and two equals eight

"the difference" often means the absolute value, so that "the difference" is always positive