let the number be x, then
the difference of x and 6 is x - 6 and
5 times the sum of x and 2 is 5(x + 2)
Equate both expressions
5(x + 2) = x - 6 ← distribute left side
5x + 10 = x - 6 ( subtract x from both sides )
4x + 10 = - 6 ( subtract 10 from both sides )
4x = - 16 ( divide both sides by 4 )
x = - 4 → A
