How do you solve #9x+20=-16#?

1 Answer
Jul 26, 2016

#x=-4#

Explanation:

1.) First, subtract #20# from each side.

#9x + 20 -color(blue)(20) = -16 -color(blue)(20)#

2.) The #20#s cancel out on the left side. Simplify the right side (add #-16 and 20#).

#9x = -36#

3.) Now divide out #9# to finish isolating #x#.

#(9x)/(color(green)(9)) = -36/(color(green)(9)#

4.) The #9#s cancel out on the left and the right can be simplified.

#x = -4#