Translate the statement into an equation. Then solve the equation. The sum of 8 and 3 times a number is 23.

Let the number be x

8+3x=23

3x=23-8

3x=15

x=5

The number is 5

The best way to solve this is to write it out part by part.

The first part is "the sum of 8 and 3," which is (8+3)

The second part is " ... times a number," so we have n (8+3)

Lastly, " ... is 23," means n (8+3) = 23, so here's the equation. In order to solve for n, divide both sides by (8+3) so 23 / (8+3) which is 23/11. So the "number" is 23/11.