Question

Twice the difference of a number and 5 is 2. Use the variable W for the unknown number

Answer 1

Hey there!

The difference of a number, w, and 5 will be represented by (w – 5). Twice this would simply multiply this expression by 2, making it 2(w – 5). Finally, just set this expression equal to 2. Your equation is 2(w – 5) = 2. 

To solve this, expand the two to the terms in parentheses. Then, solve the rest of the way as you would normally, using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to cancel out and move around terms. Remember, what you do on one side must be done to the other!

2(w – 5) = 2
(2*w – 2*5) = 2
(2w – 10) + 10 = (2) + 10
(2w) ÷ 2 = (12) ÷ 2
w = 6

Hope this helped you out! :-)