How do you solve #-( n + 4) = - 2( n - 4)#?

1 Answer
smendyka
Jan 21, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, rewrite the expression on the left side of the equation as:

#-n - 4 = -2(n - 4)#

Next, expand the expression on the right to eliminate the parenthesis by multiplying each term within the parenthesis by the term outside the parenthesis:

#-n - 4 = color(red)(-2)(n - 4)#

#-n - 4 = (color(red)(-2) xx n) + (color(red)(-2) xx -4)#

#-n - 4 = -2n + 8#

Next, add #color(red)(4)# and #color(blue)(2n)# to each side of the equation to solve for #n# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-n + color(blue)(2n) - 4 + color(red)(4) = -2n + color(blue)(2n) + 8 + color(red)(4)#

#-1n + color(blue)(2n) - 4 + color(red)(4) = -2n + color(blue)(2n) + 8 + color(red)(4)#

#(-1 + color(blue)(2))n - 0 = 0 + 12#

#1n = 12#

#n = 12#

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