The difference of five and five y 5 - 5y eight and two y 8 + 2y The phrase is the same as means equal to. Set 5 - 5y equal to 8 + 2y for our final algebraic expression 5 - 5y = 8 + 2y If the problem asks you to solve for y: Add 5y to each side: 5 = 8 + 7y Subtract 8 from each side: 7y = -3 Divide each side by 7: y= -3/7