How To Solve Clear Fractions Or Decimals First: (1/4) A - (1/4)= -2?

(1/4)A - (1/4) = -2
A - 1 = -2*4    (multiply both sides of the equation by 4)
A = -8 +1    (perform the arithmetic, add 1 to both sides)
A = -7    (perform the arithmetic)

Check
(1/4)(-7) - (1/4) = -2
-7/4 - 1/4 = -2
-8/4 = -2    (yes)