Think of a number, add 2 to it and then multiply the sum by 6, the result is 42.

Let the number be x.

∴ Sum of x and 2 = x + 2

Now by multiplying the sum by 6, we get

6 × (x + 2) = 42

⇒ 6 × x + 6 × 2 = 42

⇒ 6x + 12 = 42

By inspection, we get

6 × 5 + 12 = 42

⇒ 30 + 12 = 42

∴ 42 = 42

So, the required number = 5