Question

How do you solve `-4n - 9n = - 35`?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

`-4n - 9n = -35`

`(-4 - 9)n = -35`

`-13n = -35`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(-13)` to solve for `n` while keeping the equation balanced. Remember: a minus divided by a minus is a plus:

`(-13n)/color(red)(-13) = (-35)/color(red)(-13)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-13)))n)/cancel(color(red)(-13)) = 35/13`

`n = 35/13`