let the number be x, then the difference of x and 6 is x - 6 and 5 times the sum of x and 2 is 5(x + 2) Equate both expressions 5(x + 2) = x - 6 ← distribute left side 5x + 10 = x - 6 ( subtract x from both sides ) 4x + 10 = - 6 ( subtract 10 from both sides ) 4x = - 16 ( divide both sides by 4 ) x = - 4 → A
