Five less than one third of a number is two more than half of the same number. Find the number.

X/3 - 5 = 2 + x/2

solve for x

x = - 42

5 less (-5) than 1/3 of number (n/3) is (=) 2 more than (2+) half of the number (n/2)

-5+n/3=2+n/2

add 5 to both sides

n/3=n/2+7

times 6 both sides

2n=3n+42

minus 2n both sides

0=n+42

minus 42 boh sides

-42=n

the number is - 42

the number is 18