Write your own English expression and the corresponding mathematical equation. Once you have the mathematical equation, test three values in the equation. Show all steps. Was any one of the values you choose the solution?

I used the equation: x+2=7

"A number decreased by two equals the same number increased by 5 then decreased by 3."

Values: 1, 5, 10.

x+2=7

(1) + 2=7

3=7

the above statement is false.

this is not a solution.

x+2=7

(5) + 2=7

7=7

the above statement is true.

this is a solution.

x+2=7

(10) + 2=7

12=7

the above statement is false.

this is not a solution.

The second value I chose, x=5, was the solution to my equation.