Please help. seven-fourths decreased by a number is 2.

Question

phi · Answer

they want you to figure out what x is in
$$ \frac{7}{4}- x = 2$$

anonymous · Answer

tell me if I'm on the right track please. 1.75=1 3/4-n=2

texaschic101 · Answer

well.....you can either add x to both sides and then subtract 2 from both sides or you can subtract 7/4 from both sides, then divide by -1.
It is not necessary to change 7/4 into a mixed number.

whpalmer4 · Answer

Easiest way might be to clear the fractions by multiplying everything by 4:
$$4*\frac{7}{4}-4*x = 4*2$$$$7 - 4x = 8$$

texaschic101 · Answer

or you can multiply the entire equation by 4

whpalmer4 · Answer

now subtract 7 from both sides and divide both sides by -4 and you'll have your answer.  Notice that the only way to "decrease" 7/4 and get 2 is by subtracting a negative number...

anonymous · Answer

-1/4

whpalmer4 · Answer

That's correct.  $$\frac{7}{4} -(-\frac{1}{4}) = \frac{7-(-1)}{4} = \frac{7+1}{4} = \frac{8}{4} = 2$$