Question

the sum of a number and 12, divided by 4, is -7.

Explanation:

Step1: Define the variable

Let the number be \( x \).

Step2: Translate the problem into an equation

The sum of the number and 12 is \( x + 12 \). Dividing this sum by 4 gives \( \frac{x + 12}{4} \). We know this equals -7, so the equation is \( \frac{x + 12}{4}=-7 \).

Step3: Solve the equation for \( x \)

Multiply both sides of the equation by 4 to get rid of the denominator: \( x + 12=-7\times4 \).
Calculate \( -7\times4=-28 \), so \( x + 12=-28 \).
Subtract 12 from both sides: \( x=-28 - 12 \).
Calculate \( -28-12=-40 \).

Answer:

The number is \(-40\)