Question

16 increased by twice a number is -24 what is the solution?

Answer 1

Let x = the number.

"increased by" tells you we are adding.

"twice a number" tells you 2 times a number.

16 + 2x = - 24

Subtract 16 from both sides so that we have the variable on one sides and the constants on the other.

2x = - 24 - 16

2x = - 40

Divide by 2 to isolate the variable.

x = - 40/2 = - 20

Your solution is - 20.

To check your answer, plug in.

16 + 2(-20) = - 24

16 - 40 = - 24

- 24 = - 24