Question

Solve for x, Show your work: 1/2 (16 - x) = -12 (x + 7)

Answer 1

You have to get rid of 1/2 by multiplying it by its recriprocal which is like this:
1) 1/2 x 2/1 which equals to zero and you do the same to the other side.
2) -12 x 2/1 = -24x then multiply-24x with 7 which equals -168.
16-x= -24x -168
3) subtract 16 to the other side and subtract 24x with x
23x= -184
4) divide by 23 to isolate x and you get -8
5) x=-8

Answer 2

First you need to multiply 1/2 by 16, then multiply 1/2 by x to get 8-1/2x=-12(x+7). Then you multiply-12 by x to get-12x an then you multiply-12 by 7 so your equation looks like this 8-1/2x=-12x+-84. Combine the like terms and divide by the number with the x and you have your answer