? - 0.04 = 2

Concept

In any linear equation, the unknown is isolated by applying the inverse operation to both sides. The inverse of subtracting a number is adding that same number, so if a quantity minus k equals a result, the quantity equals the result plus k. The equation stays balanced because the identical operation is performed on both sides.

Application

1. Write the equation with the unknown as x: x − 0.04 = 2.

2. The unknown has 0.04 subtracted from it, so add 0.04 to both sides to undo the subtraction: x = 2 + 0.04.

3. Add the decimals, aligning the place values: 2.00 + 0.04 = 2.04.

Therefore the missing value is 2.04.

Cross-check

Substitute back into the original equation: 2.04 − 0.04 = 2.00 = 2, which matches the right-hand side, confirming the value.