164 less than the product of 82 and a number is 738, what's the missing number? i'm having trouble understanding.

It's 7. 738-164=574 then divide that by 82.

Well, just write down the situation, step by step:

82 is . . . . . 82
The product of 82 and the number (Q) is . . . . . 82 Q
164 less than that product is . . . . . 82 Q - 164
You said that that's 738.  OK .

                                82 Q - 164  =  738

Do you want to solve it too ?
OK.
Add 164 to each side of the equation.

                                 82 Q            = 902

Divide each side by 82.

                                       Q           =  902/82   =  11  

Did I do anything so sneaky or advanced that you don't understand it ?