Answer:
-36
Explanation:
Let's say the number is x.
"Two fewer than a number doubled" means that we have 2 less than 2x, which can be written as 2x - 2.
"The number decreased by 38" means that have 38 less than the number x, which can be written as x - 38.
The problem says that these are equal to each other:
2x - 2 = x - 38
We combine like terms by subtracting the x from both sides and adding 2 to both sides:
2x - x = -38 + 2
x = -36
Thus, the answer is -36.