Answer:
x = -7
Step-by-step explanation:
Hello.
I can help.
To solve algebraic equations all you need to do is get rid of everything on the side of the x except the x.
Lets look at your problem.
-3x - 5 = 16
An important thing to note is we are going to get rid of things on the left side of the = by doing the opposite of what they're doing.
If it is addition we do subtraction
If it is division we do multiplication
and so on.
ALSO
Whatever we do on the left side of the = we must do the same thing to the number on the right.
Now, let us start trying to solve this.
You always want to start with the number that is alone without the variable / letter.
So :
-3x - 5 = 16
Since it is -5 lets add 5 to make it 0 and get rid of it.
-3x - 5 = 16
+5 +5
(Remember to do it to the other side of the = too)
Now we have :
-3x = 21
Now we want to get rid of the 3 attached to the x. And since these two are multiplying we need to divide the -3 by itself to make it 1. Since one number divided by itself is 1.
So like this :
-3x = 21
/-3 /-3
NOTE : When you are dividing or multiplying negative numbers there is an important key to be aware of. Here is a short key to go off of :
- x - = +
- x + = -
So a negative times a negative will be a positive.
While a positive times a negative, the negative will over ride the positive and the answer will be negative.
Going back to the equation, here is what we do :
-3x / -3 = +x (Not negative)
And :
21 / -3 = -7 (Is negative)
So now our equation is :
x = -7
And this is our final answer.
I hope this helped.
If you have any questions or concerns do comment or message me. :)
