A "find the number" word problem

Five times the sum of a number and 3 is the same as 3 multiplied by 1 less than twice the number.  Find the number.
​

x = the number 

5(x + 3) = 3(2x - 1)   {five times the sum of number and 3 equals 3 multiplied by 1 less than twice number}
5x + 15 = 6x - 3   {used distributive property}
x = 18   {subtracted 5x and added 3 to each side}

the number is 18

Ask Algebra House
​