How do you solve #(1+ 2n ) = - 2n - 4#?

1 Answer
Sep 9, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, remove the term on the left side of the equation from parenthesis:

#1 + 2n = -2n - 4#

Next, subtract #color(red)(1)# and add #color(blue)(2n)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #n# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#1 + 2n - color(red)(1) + color(blue)(2n) = -2n - 4 - color(red)(1) + color(blue)(2n)#

#1 - color(red)(1) + 2n + color(blue)(2n) = -2n + color(blue)(2n) - 4 - color(red)(1)#

#0 + (2 + color(blue)(2))n = 0 - 5#

#4n = -5#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(4)# to solve for #n# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(4n)/color(red)(4) = -5/color(red)(4)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4)))n)/cancel(color(red)(4)) = -5/4#

#n = -5/4#