1. **State the problem:** We need to find a number such that the difference between the number and 9 equals 37 less the number. 2. **Set up the equation:** Let the number be $x$. The difference of the number and 9 is $x - 9$. The phrase "37 less the number" translates to $x - 37$ or $37 - x$? Since it says "37 less the number," it means $37 - x$. 3. **Write the equation:** $$x - 9 = 37 - x$$ 4. **Solve the equation:** Add $x$ to both sides: $$x - 9 + x = 37 - x + x$$ $$2x - 9 = 37$$ Add 9 to both sides: $$2x - 9 + 9 = 37 + 9$$ $$2x = 46$$ Divide both sides by 2: $$\frac{\cancel{2}x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{46}{2}$$ $$x = 23$$ 5. **Answer:** The number is **23**.