Question

What is the first step in solving the equation 4x + 16 = 20?

Divide both sides of the equation by −4.

Divide both sides of the equation by −16.

Subtract 16 from both sides of the equation.

Add 16 to both sides of the equation.

Answer 1

you cannot divide out the 4 until you have the x variable alone, so the first step is to get rid of the 16. to do this, you want to subtract it from both sides, so the +16 on the left will cancel out

Answer 2

Thanks!