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2 votes
How do I solve two step equations?

1. 3x+5=-16

2 Answers

1 vote

Answer:

x = - 7

Explanation:

Given

3x + 5 = - 16 ( subtract 5 from both sides )

3x = - 21 ( divide both sides by 3 )

x = - 7

User TVA Van Hesteren
by
5.1k points
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Two-step equations can get more difficult the higher the numbers get, but they're not too hard! ;)

To solve 3x+5=-16:

First subtract 5 from each side

Now its 3x=-21

Next divide 3 from each side

You get x=-7!

Always check your work! To check your work plug your answer "-7" into x.

So it looks like this: 3(-7)+5=-16 then distribute and solve!

You'll get -16=-16, that means its correct/true!

User Stichoza
by
4.9k points