Question

4x + 10 = -26 how do I solve this

Answer 1

Here is your equation:

`4x+10=-26`

With the variable is +10(positive 10). To find x, the variable must be alone. To take out +10, you have to do the opposite, which is subtract 10. Subtract 10 from both sides:

`4x+10-10 = -26 - 10`

On the other side is -26 - 10. Since you're subtracting from a negative number, the sign will change from - to + and the number you're subtracting will change. If it's a positive number, it will become negative. If it's a negative number, it will become positive.

The number you're subtracting is +10. That means it will change from +10 to -10. Here is the old and new equation:

`-26-10 \rightarrow -26+-10`

To add two negative numbers, you can just add the numbers as if they're positive, and after you get the sum, you can add the - sign.

`26+10=36 \\ 36 \rightarrow -36`

Your current equation is:

`4x=-36`

To leave x alone, you have to divide the number x is with. Since x is with 4, you have to divide both sides by 4.

`(4x)/(4) = (-36)/(4)`

To find -36 divided by 4, just divide 36 by 4 and add the - sign.

Remember:

NEGATIVES

• Negative(-) times(×) negative(-) = positive(+)
• Negative(-) times(×) positive(+) = negative(-)
• Negative(-) divided(÷) by positive(+) = negative(-)
• Negative(-) divided(÷) by negative(-) = positive(+)

POSITIVES

• Positive(+) times(×) positive(+) = positive(+)
• Positive(-) times(×) negative(-) = negative(-)
• Positive(+) divided(÷) by positive(+) = positive(+)
• Positive(+) divided(÷) by negative(-) = negative(-)

Now divide:

`36 / 4 = 9 \\ 9 \rightarrow -9`

That means x = -9

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! :)