The solution given by Joe is correct. I think you might want to know how he set up the equation from the words.
Try breaking the sentence into small phrases . Like this:
(Twelve less than) (the quotient of a number and 7)( is -2).
Then read it BACKWARDS. Sooooo
( is -2) means. = -2
the quotient of a number and 7. means x/7
12 less than. means -12.
Put it together. x/7 -12 = -2
Warning about the last part. There is a difference between "less" and "less than"
Think of it this way. What is "five less two"? Read it straightforward. 5 - 2
But what if it has a "than". What is "five less THAN two". The English word "than" changes the order of the numbers. This is. 2 - 5. Watch out for the "than".
Hope this helps with the translation.
