7 times a number and 2 is equal to 4 times a number decreased by 8 The phrase a number means an arbitrary variable, let's call it x. x 7 times a number: 7x and 2 means we add 2: 7x + 2 4 times a number 4x decreased by 8 means we subtract 8: 4x - 8 The phrase is equal to means an equation, so we set 7x + 2 equal to 4x - 8: 7x + 2 = 4x - 8
