Decreasing half of a number by 19.7 results in - 4.1. What is the number?

Use the given equation to find the number.

x - 19.7 = - 4.1

If we decrease half of a number by some value, we'd have to add that value and multiply the new number by 2 to take into account the 'Half of a number' part.

So in this problem, what I would use is:

(1/2) x - 19.7 = - 4.1

Adding 19.7:

(1/2) x = 15.6

Multiply by 2:

x = 31.2

x = 31.2