Question

translate the sentence into an inequality.
twice the difference of a number and 5 is greater than -17.
use the variable b for the unknown number.

Explanation:

Step1: Define the difference

The difference of $b$ and 5 is $b - 5$.

Step2: Multiply by 2 (twice the difference)

Twice the difference is $2(b - 5)$.

Step3: Set up the inequality

This value is greater than $-17$, so we use the $>$ symbol.

Answer:

$2(b - 5) > -17$