Question

seven less than the product of 3 and a number is -16

Answer 1

-16 = 3x -7
If you wanted to answer that you would add 7 to both sides,
which would be
-9 = 3x
Divide both sides by 3
x = -3

Answer 2

Seven less, means that you subtract 7.

The product of three and a number, means you multiply 3 and x where x=the unknown number.

Is -16 means that is is equal to -16.

Let's put it all together.

3x - 7 = -16

If you want to solve for x:

3x - 7 = -16

Add 7 to both sides.

3x = -9

Divide 3 on both sides.

x = -3

Hope this helps!