let the number be n
the first half (2 less than 3 lots of a number) is in brackets.
3 lots of a number is 3 x the number and 2 less than it is subtracting 2 from the product.
So 3n-2.
That whole number is doubled so the 2 is left outside the brackets so that it applies to everything inside.
2(3n-2) = 5
im not sure if you were asked to find the number but if you are then you must work in opposite operations.
First, divide both sides by 2--
3n-2 = 2.5
then add the 2 to both sides
3n = 4.5
divide both by 3 and tha'ts the answer for n but its a decimal so i doubt its asking for that
