Question

What is the answer to 5x-4=x-16

Answer 1

-3

Step-by-step explanation:

5x - x = -16 + 4

4x = -12

1x = -3

This isn’t the way most people do it, it’s just the shortcut I learned to use. The answer is still correct

Answer 2

x = -3

Step-by-step explanation:

The properties of equality allow us to manipulate an equation in order to solve for a variable.

Solving For X

To solve for x, first rewrite the equation.

• 5x - 4 = x - 16

Then, move all the variables to one side by subtracting x from both sides.

• 4x - 4 = -16

Next, add 4 to both sides.

• 4x = -12

Finally, divide both sides by 4.

• x = -3

Checking the Answer

Now that we have the answer, we can check to see if it is right by plugging the value back into the original equation.

• 5(-3) - 4 = -3 - 16

Then, simplify the equation.

• -19 = -19

This shows that -3 is the correct answer.