Question

Solve equation 5(n-4) = -60

Answer 1

Answer:

n = -8

Step-by-step explanation:

The variable has 4 subtracted and that quantity is multiplied by 5. You can find the value of the variable by reversing these operations, in reverse order. That means you first divide both sides of the equation by 5:

5(n-4)/5 = -60/5

n -4 = -12 . . . . . . simplify

Then you undo the subtraction of 4. You accomplish that by adding 4 to both sides of the equation.

n -4 +4 = -12 +4

n = -8 . . . . . . . . . simplify

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This equation can also be solved by first eliminating parentheses. Then you have

5n -20 = -60

Now, the variable is multiplied by 5, then 20 is subtracted from the sum. Reversing these operations in reverse order, we first add 20 to both sides of the equation:

5n -20 +20 = -60 +20

5n = -40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . simplify

Then we undo the multiplication by dividing both sides of the equation by 5:

n = -8

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The rule to remember is "whatever you do to one side of the equation must also be done to the other side". This is what keeps the equal sign valid.

Answer 2

Answer:

n = - 8

Step-by-step explanation:

There are 2 possible approaches to solving this question

method 1

5(n - 4) = - 60 ( divide both sides by 5 )

n - 4 = - 12 ( add 4 to both sides )

n = - 8

method 2

5(n - 4) = - 60 ( distribute left side )

5n - 20 = - 60 ( add 20 to both sides )

5n = - 40 ( divide both sides by 5 )

n = - 8