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

Question

uri · Answer

4x+16=20
4x=20 -16

anonymous · Answer

in words 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.

anonymous · Answer

i mean it needs to be in words
 those are your choices

marissalovescats · Answer

He subtracted 16 from both sides.

anonymous · Answer

what makes you sure?

anonymous · Answer

PEMDAS is the first step.  Remember you are trying to isolate x by itself.  This means subtract the 16 from both sides first as you are doing the opposite order of operations.

marissalovescats · Answer

Because you cant divide by 4 first because x isnt by itself so you have to subtract the 16 1st to get it by itself.

anonymous · Answer

She is correct.  Then you can divide.