−5x − 16 = 8 Proof=Given
−5x − 16 + 16 = 8 + 16 Proof=Addition Property of Equality
−5x = 24 Proof=Addition Property of Equality
-5x/5=24/5 This is where we find his fault. You have to divide by whatever the number that alters the variable is. In this case, that's -5. The answer is therefore D. Step 3: He should have divided both sides by 5.