How do you solve #5- 2x = 9x + 16#?

2 Answers
Sep 8, 2017

#x=-1#

Explanation:

First get all terms with #x# on the left side.
#5\color(indianred)(-2x-9x)=16#
#5\color(indianred)(-11x)=16#

Now take any non-variable terms and move them to the right side.
#-11x=\color(slateblue)(16-5)#
#-11x=\color(slateblue)(11)#

Divide to find #x#.
#x=11/(-11)#
#x=-1#

Sep 8, 2017

#x = color(blue)(-1)#

Explanation:

#5 - 2x = 9x + 16#

Add #2x# to both sides:

#5 = 11x + 16 #

Subtract #16# from both sides:

#11x = -11#

divide both sides by #11#

#x =color(blue)( -1)#