How do you solve for x in #-x-3=1#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-05-23T13:18:59

See a solution process below:

First, add #color(red)(3)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-x - 3 + color(red)(3) = 1 + color(red)(3)#

#-x - 0 = 4#

#-x = 4#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(-1)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(-1) xx -x = color(red)(-1) xx 4#

#x = -4#