How do you solve 2x - ( x + 4) = - 8?

1 Answer
Dec 22, 2016

x = -4

Explanation:

First, remove the terms within the parenthesis paying close attention to the signs:

We can write 2x-(x+4)=2x-(+x+4)
Now,

(-)xx(+)=(-)

(-)xx(-)=(+)

So, 2x - x - 4 = -8

Now we can combine like terms recalling color(red)(x = 1x):

(2 - 1)x - 4 = -8

1x - 4 = -8

x - 4 = -8

Next, isolate and solve for x while keeping the equation balanced:

x - 4 + color(red)(4) = -8 + color(red)(4)

x - 0 = -4

x = -4