Question

How do you solve `-2x - 13= - x - 27`?

Answer 1

`x=14`

Explanation:

The first thing to understand is that if you place one value on the other side you must put it on the other side as well.

`-2x - 13 = -x - 27`

`-2x + x - 13 = -x + x - 27`

`-x - 13 + 13 = -27 + 13`

`-x = -14`

`(-x)/-1 = (-14)/-1`

`x = 14`

The last thing you can do is check if you have the correct answer. The way to do this is to substitute the value you got for `x` into the original equation. If both sides are equal then you have the right answer, if not go back and find your mistake.

`-2(14) - 13 = -(14) - 27`

`-28 - 13 = -14 - 27`

`-31 = -31`