let 'n' represent the number

3n - 14 = 38

3n = 52

n = 17 1/3

there is probably an error in the problem statement because these types of word problems should generate integer results

based on the description in this word problem, the number is 17 1/3

of course, if "14 less than three times a number" is interpreted as "14-3n", then we have:

14 - 3n = 38

n = 24/(-3) = -8

in that case, the number would be -8