SOLUTION: 11x+4=-x+16. i know the anwser but don't understand how to work it out easily? 3(x+2)=4(2+x) same thing

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: 11x+4=-x+16. i know the anwser but don't understand how to work it out easily? 3(x+2)=4(2+x) same thing       Log On


   

Question 19491: 11x+4=-x+16. i know the anwser but don't understand how to work it out easily?
3(x+2)=4(2+x) same thing















Answer by MelanieBCC(40) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The goal is to get the variable (x) on one side of the equal sign, and the constant on the other. To do this, you use what's called inverse operations to cancel terms out on each side of the equation. I'll illustrate this with the second equation you listed:
3%28x%2B2%29=4%282%2Bx%29
first, distribute to get rid of the parenthesis 3x%2B6=8%2B4x
next, look at your variable terms. Subtract (because the inverse of addition is subtraction) the lower value variable term from each side of the equation (in this case it would be 3x):
3x%2B6-3x=8%2B4x-3x when you perform the subtraction of the variables, this equation becomes 6=8%2B1x or 6=8%2Bx
now use inverse operations to move the constant to the other side of the equation: 6-8=8%2Bx-8 becomes -2=x
or x=-2
Rules to remember:
-the inverse of addition is subtraction; inverse of subtraction is addition; inverse of multiplication is division; inverse of division is multiplication.
-what you do to one side of the equation MUST be done to the other side, as well.
-constants cannot be subtracted from or added to variables and variables cannot be subtracted from or added to constants (42x-2 does not equal 40x)
The answer to the other equation will be x=1. Try using the inverse operations to solve it.