The sum of two y and three 2y + 3 the difference of three y and one 3y - 1 is the same as means equal to. Set 2y + 3 equal to 3y - 1 for our final algebraic expression: 2y + 3 = 3y - 1 If the problem asks you to solve for y, subtract 2y from each side: 3 = y - 1 Add 1 to each side: y = 4