Final answer:
The equation is 8(b+4) = 5 and the unknown number is b. To solve, distribute the 8 and isolate the variable b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence "Eight times the sum of a number and 4 equals 5" can be translated into the equation 8(b+4) = 5. In this equation, b represents the unknown number. To solve the equation, you would begin by distributing the 8 to both terms inside the parentheses, resulting in 8b + 32 = 5. Then, you would isolate the variable b by subtracting 32 from both sides of the equation, giving you 8b = -27. Finally, to solve for b, you would divide both sides of the equation by 8, giving you b = -27/8.
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