4. "ten less than the quotient of a number and
3 is 8."

3x - 10 = 8

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's reconsider the wording of this problem.

"Ten less than the quotient of a number and

3 is 8."

From less, we can assume 10 is being subtracted from something.

We have:

-10

Next, we know that the quotient is the sum of a multiplication problem. So, we know 3 has to be multiplied by something. We can see that the text says 'a number'. If they don't give us the value we can guess that it is the variable x.

Now:

3x - 10

From 'is 8' we know that must be the final sum of the equation.

Finally:

3x - 10 = 8