Q. \(-3.5 + 0.4x = -2\)

We want to solve the linear equation:

\[
-3.5 + 0.4x = -2
\]

Step 1: Deal with the constant term

The term \(-3.5\) is added to \(0.4x\). To isolate the \(x\)-term, we undo \(-3.5\) by adding \(3.5\) to both sides.

\[
-3.5 + 0.4x + 3.5 = -2 + 3.5
\]

On the left side, \(-3.5 + 3.5 = 0\), so it simplifies to:

\[
0.4x = -2 + 3.5
\]

On the right side, compute \(-2 + 3.5\):

\[
0.4x = 1.5
\]

Step 2: Isolate \(x\)

\(x\) is multiplied by \(0.4\). To isolate \(x\), divide both sides by \(0.4\).

\[
\frac{0.4x}{0.4} = \frac{1.5}{0.4}
\]

On the left side, \(0.4x / 0.4 = x\), so:

\[
x = \frac{1.5}{0.4}
\]

Now compute the division. You can rewrite \(1.5\) and \(0.4\) as fractions:

\[
1.5 = \frac{15}{10}, \quad 0.4 = \frac{4}{10}
\]

So:

\[
x = \frac{\frac{15}{10}}{\frac{4}{10}} = \frac{15}{10}\cdot \frac{10}{4}
\]

The \(\frac{10}{10}\) cancels:

\[
x = \frac{15}{4} = 3.75
\]

Final Answer

\[
x = 3.75
\]