How do you solve #\frac { x } { 2} - 4= - 16#?

1 Answer
Jan 20, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add #color(red)(4)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#x/2 - 4 + color(red)(4) = -16 + color(red)(4)#

#x/2 - 0 = -12#

#x/2 = -12#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(2)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(2) xx x/2 = color(red)(2) xx -12#

#cancel(color(red)(2)) xx x/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2))) = -24#

#x = -24#