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.