How do you solve #16+ n = - n - 20#?

1 Answer
Jim G.
Sep 18, 2017

#n=-18#

Explanation:

#"collect terms in n on the left side of the equation and"#
#"numeric values on the right side"#

#"add n to both sides"#

#16+n+n=cancel(-n)cancel(+n)-20#

#rArr16+2n=-20#

#"subtract 16 from both sides"#

#cancel(16)cancel(-16)+2n=-20-16#

#rArr2n=-36#

#"divide both sides by 2"#

#(cancel(2) n)/cancel(2)=(-36)/2#

#rArrn=-2#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

Substitute this value into the equation and if both sides are equal then it is the solution.

#"left "=16+(-18)=16-18=-2#

#"right "=-(-18)-20=18-20=-2#

#rArrn=2" is the solution"#

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