How do you solve #5 - x = 16#?

2 Answers
May 28, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

One way to solve this problem is to add #color(red)(x)# and subtract #color(blue)(16)# from each side of the equation to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#5 - color(blue)(16) - x + color(red)(x) = 16 - color(blue)(16) + color(red)(x)#

#-11 - 0 = 0 + x#

#-11 = x#

#x = -11#

May 28, 2018

You have to rearrange the equation.

Explanation:

Move #x# to the other side so you get

#5=16+x#

Then you move #16# to the other side so you get

#5-16=x#

Then you just simplify it to get

#-11 = x#