Question 127799
Let x be the number you are looking for.

"three times x" is 3x
"less" means subtraction..."less than forty five" means you are subtracting 3x FROM the 45.
"twice" means 2x

45-3x=2x    Set up the equation
45=5x       Add 3x to both sides
9=x         Divide by 5
x=9