Question

solve for the variable : 5-x=16

Answer 1

We want to isolate x, so we want to get x to one side and get everything else to the other side

Answer 2

so we add 5 to both sides ?

Answer 3

5-x is the same as -x+5

Answer 4

so 5-x = 16 is the same as -x+5 = 16

Answer 5

so what exactly do i do next

Answer 6

you want to move that 5 over

Answer 7

we're adding 5, so we want to undo this and do what?

Answer 8

not sure

Answer 9

what's the opposite of addition?

Answer 10

subtract

Answer 11

good

Answer 12

so you subtract 5 from both sides

Answer 13

which is 11

Answer 14

good, so -x = 11

Answer 15

we want x and NOT -x, so we need to get rid of that negative somehow

Answer 16

how ?

Answer 17

we can write -x as -1*x

Answer 18

so -x = 11 is the same as -1*x = 11

Answer 19

now divide both sides by -1 to completely isolate x

-1*x = 11

x = 11/(-1)

x = -11

Answer 20

:)

Answer 21

glad I could help

Answer 22

thank you so much :)

Answer 23

you're welcome