How do you solve this problem 5x+12=x-4

You start sorting the terms. For instance, the x's go left, and the numbers go right. Remember that if you move something to the other side, the sign flips.

So lets move the x to the left and the + 12 to the right:

5x-x = - 4-12

Now we simplify

4x = - 16

x = - 4

done.

5x + 12 = x - 4

-12 - 12

5x = x - 16

-x - x

4x = - 16

4x = - 16

___ ___ 4x & 4 cancel each other out so you are left with x & - 16/4 which

4 4 equals x = - 4