If a number is decreased by 5, and then the result is multiplied by 2, the result is 26
The phrase a number means an arbitrary variable, let's call it x:
x
Decreased by means we subtract 5 from x:
x - 5
Multiply the result by 2:
2(x - 5)
The result is 26 means we set 2(x - 5) equal to 26:
2(x - 5) = 26
The phrase a number means an arbitrary variable, let's call it x:
x
Decreased by means we subtract 5 from x:
x - 5
Multiply the result by 2:
2(x - 5)
The result is 26 means we set 2(x - 5) equal to 26:
2(x - 5) = 26