Let’s solve this with steps as instructed in the problem:
1. Add 16x to both sides
We do this step because we need to eliminate the variable from the right side of the equation. There is a -16 on the right side, and in proper form, x would have to be isolated on the left side. This would look like:
12x + 16x = 28 - 16x + 16x
2. Simplify
We do this step because it makes the equation easier to solve. This would look like:
28x = 28
3. Divide both sides by 28
We do this step because we need to get x by itself on both sides. To do that, we divide by whatever number is the coefficient. This would look like:
28x / 28 = x
28 / 28 = 1
x = 1
This isn’t a required step, but we can plug 1 in for x to make sure our answer is correct:
12(1) = 28 - 16(1)
12 = 28 - 16
12 = 12
Our answer is correct.
Answer Recap: x = 1