Let the unknown number be $x$. According to the problem, "28 less than five times a certain number is 232" can be written as:

$5x - 28 = 232$

Solving for $x$:

1. Add 28 to both sides: $5x = 232 + 28$ $5x = 260$

2. Divide both sides by 5: $x = \frac{260}{5}$ $x = 52$

Final Answer:

The number is 52.

Would you like more details or explanations?

Here are five related questions to expand the concept:

1. What would the number be if the equation was $5x - 28 = 300$?
2. How can this be verified by substituting back into the original equation?
3. If the equation changed to $5x + 28 = 232$, what would the solution be?
4. What is the algebraic difference if the equation becomes $28 - 5x = 232$?
5. How can this concept be represented visually or graphically?

Tip: When solving equations, always perform the same operation on both sides to maintain balance.