How do you solve #-19c - 3c - - 20c - 4c + c = - 19#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-10-21T12:30:59

See a solution process below:

First rewrite the equation remembering minus a minus is a plus:

#-19c - 3c + 20c - 4c + 1c = -19#

Next, combine like terms:

#(-19 - 3 + 20 - 4 + 1)c = -19#

#(-22 + 20 - 4 + 1)c = -19#

#(-2 - 4 + 1)c = -19#

#(-6 + 1)c = -19#

#-5c = -19#

Now, divide each side by #color(red)(-5)# to solve for #c# while keeping the equation balanced. Remember: a minus divided by a minus gives a plus

#(-5c)/color(red)(-5) = (-19)/color(red)(-5)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-5)))c)/cancel(color(red)(-5)) = 19/5#

#c = 19/5#