Question

solve: 4x-8=9x+2 and 4x-8= -(9x+2)

Answer 1

Remember that when solving equations you are trying to get the variable in this case, 'x' by itself.

Answer 2

So starting with 4x-8=9x+2
get the 'x' variable to one side of the equal sign

Answer 3

Can you do that step?

Answer 4

4x+4x-8=9x+4x+2
8=13x+2?

Answer 5

Okay... well you are making a mistake. Since on the left side the '4x' is positive.... You would subtract that on both sides.

Answer 6

-8=5x+2

Answer 7

okay then you minus 2 from -8?

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

so -10=5x

Answer 10

Yes

Answer 11

then divide -10 by 5
which equals -2

Answer 12

Correct!

Answer 13

ahhh okay! but i dont get the other question is it just like this one?

Answer 14

Yes, accept they just added in the distribution of the negative sign.

Answer 15

4x-8= -(9x+2)
So on the right sign just like you distribute a number... you distribute the minus sign.

Answer 16

4x-8=-9x-2
Can you solve from there?

Answer 17

ill try

Answer 18

Okay tell me what you get step by step or as a final answer

Answer 19

8=-5x-2?

Answer 20

-8=-5x-2

Answer 21

The minus sign on the left must stay

Answer 22

okay

Answer 23

-8+2=-5x

Answer 24

However, though if I were you I would always keep my variable: POSITIVE.

Answer 25

how do you do that!?

Answer 26

4x-8= -(9x+2)
4x-8=-9x+2 right?
So instead of subtracting 4 from both sides... lets add 9 to both sides.

Answer 27

13x-8=-2

Answer 28

Then of course you would add 8 to both sides.
13x=6

Answer 29

x= \[\frac{ 6 }{ 13 }\]

Answer 30

Which is the actual answer... I don't know why the other way gave you a complete different answer.

Answer 31

hmm thank you!
i get it now

Answer 32

So to be safe just keep your variables positive. You are welcome! :)