Question

What is the variable equal in the equation ten less than 3 times a number is the same as the number plus 4?

Answer 1

`x-\ number\\\\ 3x-10=x+4\ \ \ | subtract\ x\\\\ 2x-10=4\ \ \ | add\ 10\\\\ 2x=14\ \ \ | divide\ by\ 2\\\\ x=7\\\\ Number\ is \ 7.`

Answer 2

The variable is "the number". To make it easier to write the equation
and work with it, let's call the variable 'M' for 'Mystery number'.

3 times the number is 3M .

-- 10 less than that is 3M-10 .
-- the number plus 4 is M+4 .

The question says that these two things are the same.
So ...
3M - 10 = M + 4

Subtract 'M' from each side: 2M - 10 = 4

Add 10 to each side: 2M = 14

Divide each side by 2 : M = 7