How do i solve - 16 = - 4 - 6x

x = 2

Step-by-step explanation

The main goal of solving this equation is getting the variable by itself.

For me personally, I prefer to have the variable on the left side of the equation, so I am just going to flip it over to look like this:

-6x - 4 = - 16

Next, we must eliminate the constant on the left side of the equation, which is the four. So add four to both sides to get rid of the negative four. Remember, what you do to one side, you must also do to the other!

-6x - 4 = - 16

+4 + 4

Now, we have this:

-6x = - 12

But wait! We aren't done yet! There is still the negative six with the variable. To get rid of it, we must divide both sides of the equations by negative six, as a negative divided by a negative is a positive. There is always an imaginary one next to a variable, so if we divide the negative six by itself, we will get one! Then, the variable will be by itself!

-6x = - 12

:-6 : -6

Now we have: x = 2

Remember that a negative divided by a negative is a positive, so the answer is 2, not negative two!