Question

I need help with this math problem! Thanks! -8 = -( x +4)

Answer 1

Answer:

x = 4

Step-by-step explanation:

If the lonely negative sign infront of the brackets is confusing, it can be rewritten as -1.

To solve, simplify by expanding then isolate x.

-8 = -( x +4)

-8 = -1 ( x +4)       Distribute over brackets by changing the each term's sign

-8 = -x - 4            Start isolating x by moving everything to the other side

-8 +4  = -x -4 + 4        Add 4 to both sides so it cancels out on the right

-4  = -x

-4  = -1x           <= -x is the same at -1x

-4/-1  = -x/-1     <=divide both sides by negative 1

4 = x

x = 4      <= usually we write the variable on the left side