Answer
The number is 12.
Work Step by Step
"Three times" translates to 3*
"difference of a number and 5" translates to x - 5
"is the same as" translates to =
"twice the number" translates to 2x
"decreased by 3" translates to - 3
Therefore, the expression is written:
3(x - 5) = 2x - 3
Distribute:
3x - 15 = 2x - 3
Subtract 2x from both sides:
x - 15 = -3
Add 15 to both sides:
x = 12