Question

If -2x+4= 8, will x be positive or negative? Without solving the equation, explain how you know.

​

Answer 1

x is negative

Explanation:

I know x will be negative without solving the equation because we can see that both sides equal positive 8 and for -2x to be positive the x value must be negative. when two negative values are multiplied they change into positive. If the x value was Positive this equation would be false.

Hope this helps you

Answer 2

Yes, x will be negative.

We are given:

-2x + 4 = 8

This means that "something", in this case -2x, added to 4, equals 8

The only thing that can add to 4 and equal 8 is 4.

So, that means -2x has to equal 4, which is a positive number.

Negative x negative = positive.

-2 is already a negative number, so x has to be a negative number.