Let the required number be x.
Then, given that 5 subtracted from 3 times x i.e. 3x – 5
⇒ 3x – 5 = 16
Adding 5 to both sides, we get
⇒ 3x – 5 + 5 = 16 + 5
⇒ 3x = 21
Dividing both sides by 3, we get
⇒ 3x/3 = 21/3
⇒ x = 7
Thus, the required number is x = 7.