Question 228639
In reading this problem out, Four less than two fifths a number is 24. 

You can determine that, four less would look like this:  {{{-4}}}
Four less than 2/5:   {{{(2/5)-(4)}}}
Four less than 2/5 a number:  {{{(2/5)X-(4)}}}
Is 24 means equals 24. 

{{{(2/5)X-(4)=24}}}

Now you can solve the problem further, by first adding the four to the other side of the equation.

{{{(2/5)X=24+4}}}

{{{(2/5)X=28}}}

Now, to get X by itself, you would multiply the reciprocal of 2/5 to both sides of the equation.

{{{(5/2)(2/5)X=(28)(5/2)}}}

Next, you have X by itself and when you multiply 28 by 5 you get 140 which divided by 2 equals 70.

{{{(X)=140/2}}}

{{{(X)=70}}}