1. **State the problem:** Fabio scored 7 points less than 2 times the points Carlos scored. Fabio scored 31 points in the game. We need to find how many points Carlos scored. 2. **Define variables:** Let $C$ be the points Carlos scored. 3. **Write the equation:** Fabio's points $F$ relate to Carlos's points as: $$F = 2C - 7$$ 4. **Substitute Fabio's points:** Given $F = 31$, substitute into the equation: $$31 = 2C - 7$$ 5. **Solve for $C$:** Add 7 to both sides: $$31 + 7 = 2C$$ $$38 = 2C$$ Divide both sides by 2: $$C = \frac{38}{2} = 19$$ 6. **Answer:** Carlos scored **19** points in the game. This problem uses basic algebra to translate a word problem into an equation and solve for the unknown.