Considering the following equation:

4y + 7x = -23
I have to solve the equation for y, but I can't use mixed numbers in my answer.

4y + 7x = -23

4y = - 23 - 7x Divide both sides with 4

y = (- 7 / 4 ) x - 23 / 4

y= -1.75 x - 5.75

y = - ( 1.75 x + 5.75 )