How do you solve #-5x - 2x = 14#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-04-17T14:53:41

See the entire solution process below:

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

#-5x - 2x = 14#

#(-5 - 2)x = 14#

#-7x = 14#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(-7)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(-7x)/color(red)(-7) = 14/color(red)(-7)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-7)))x)/cancel(color(red)(-7)) = -2#

#x = -2#