First step is to have only one variable since they are both the same. For example, the 5x will turn into -5x to be added on each side. 5x -4 = 4x -5x. -5x This will turn into -4 = -x However, you can’t have a negative variable. So you divide both sides by -1. -4/-1 = -x/-1 4 = x Switch the variable and the answer which the answer is: x = 4