Question

Solve for x. 16 = -2x - 1

Answer 1

$16 = -2x - 1 \\\\ 2x=-17\\\\ x=-\dfrac{17}{2}$

Answer 2

Make x the subject of the formula

16 = -2x - 1

Take -2x to the other side of the equation. Moving it to the other side will change its sign from - to +

16 + 2x = -1

Take 16 to the other side of the equation and its sign will change from + to -.

Note : If there is no sign with the number at the beginning of an equation it means that there is a plus there just like the 16 in this one, but if it is minus, it will be put there just like the -2x from the question

2x = -1 -16

2x = -17

Just like saying you owe your friend $1 and you owe another friend $17, altogether you owe $18.

Divide both sides by 2

2x/2 = -17/2

x = -17/2

You can leave your answer like this or convert it to mixed fraction or decimal

8 1/2 or 8.5