Question 693768
There are certain words we need to look for in these word problems. Let us analyze our statement:


Nine times a number is 17 more than three times that number.


"Times" means multiplication and "a number" means a variable. So, we can write the first part of our equation:


9 * x (9 times a number) or 9x (we don't have to write a multiplication sign between 9 and the variable).


"Is" means equals. So, we already have the first side of our equation:


9x =...


"More" means addition. So, we can write "17 more" into math language:


9x = 17 +...


We know what "times" means, and since the statement says "that number", we use the same variable. ("That" refers to the variable already mentioned).


9x = 17 + 3x.


There is your equation. Depending on your teacher, you may want to put the number with the variable in front. In other words, you may want to write


9x = 3x + 17. 


This would be the normal case for writing equations.