4 times a number is the same as the number increased by 78

4 times a number is the same as the number increased by 78.

Let's take this algebraic expression in parts:

1. The phrase a number means an arbitrary variable, let's call it x.
2. 4 times a number is written as 4x
3. The number increased by 78 means we add 78 to x: x + 78
4. The phrase the same as mean an equation, so we set #2 equal to #3

4x = x + 78 <-- This is our algebraic expression

If the problem asks you to take it a step further, then we type this equation into our search engine and get:
x = 26