Explanation

Let's denote the number as x. The problem states that the difference between 72 and 7 times a number is 16.

We can set up the equation:

72 - 7x = 16

Subtract 72 from both sides:

-7x = 16 - 72

-7x = -56

Divide both sides by -7:

x = -56 / -7

x = 8