Difference of a number and 2: (x - 2) Eight times the difference of a number and 2: 8(x - 2) The sum of the number and 3: (x + 3) Three times the sum of the number and 3: 3(x + 3) Eight times the difference of a number and 2 is the same as 3 times the sum of the number and 3: 8(x - 2) = 3(x + 3) Now just solve for x. 8x - 16 = 3x + 9 5x = 25 x = 5 The number is x = 5