1. **State the problem:** Multiply 7.4 by 2. 2. **Formula used:** Multiplication of two numbers is given by $a \times b$. 3. **Apply the formula:** Here, $a = 7.4$ and $b = 2$. 4. **Calculate:** $$7.4 \times 2 = 14.8$$ 5. **Explanation:** Multiplying 7.4 by 2 means adding 7.4 to itself once, which results in 14.8. **Final answer:** $14.8$