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
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