Answer:
x = -8
Explanation:
So, the equation is 9x + 1 - 7x -5 = -20:
Step 1: Add 5 to both sides of the equation to cancel out the -5; The new equation is 9x + 1 - 7x = -15.
Step 2: Now subtract 1 from both sides of the equation to cancel out the +1; The new equation is 9x - 7x = -16.
Step 3: Subtract 9x and 7x as they have like terms; The new equation is
2x = -16.
Step 4: Divide 2 on both sides to isolate x, and the answer is x = -8.