Question

What is the solution of the equation expressed in the bar model below?

Answer 1

The bar model is showing you that the sum of the bars on top is equal to the bars on bottom. So,

(5 - x) + (5 - x) = 50

Remove brackets

5 - x + 5 - x = 50

Add up the terms to make it bestee

10 - 2x = 50

Subtract 10 from both sides

-2x = 40

Divide by -2 on both sides

x = -20 is your answer