Question

ann has the 5 newest music CD's which is 3 less than twice the amount that bob has.

Answer 1

Let x = number of CDs Bob has.

Ann is on the right side of the equation, Bob on the left.

2x - 3 = 5

Says that 2 times the number of CDs Bob has, less 3, is 5, the number that Ann has.

Add 3 to both sides.

2x - 3 + 3 = 5 + 3
2x = 8

Divide both sides by 2.

x = 4.

Bob has 4 CDs.