Question

What is the value of x in this equation?

2x – 12 = -52

Answer 1

`2x - 12 = - 52 \\ 2x = - 52 + 12 \\ 2x = - 40 \\ \boxed{x = - 20}`

-20 is the right answer.

Answer 2

x = -20

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

Order of Operations: BPEMDAS

1. Brackets
2. Parenthesis
3. Exponents
4. Multiplication
5. Division
6. Addition
7. Subtraction

• Left to Right

Equality Properties

• Multiplication Property of Equality
• Division Property of Equality
• Addition Property of Equality
• Subtract Property of Equality

Explanation:

Step 1: Define

2x - 12 = -52

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Add 12 on both sides: 2x = -40
2. Divide 2 on both sides: x = -20

Step 3: Check

Plug in x into the original equation to verify it's a solution.

1. Substitute in x: 2(-20) - 12 = -52
2. Multiply: -40 - 12 = -52
3. Subtract: -52 = -52

Here we see that -52 does indeed equal -52.

∴ x = -20 is the solution to the equation.