How do you solve #2x - ( x + 4) = - 8#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-12-22T13:55:12

#x = -4#

First, remove the terms within the parenthesis paying close attention to the signs:

We can write #2x-(x+4)=2x-(+x+4)#
Now,

#(-)xx(+)=(-)#

#(-)xx(-)=(+)#

So, #2x - x - 4 = -8#

Now we can combine like terms recalling #color(red)(x = 1x)#:

#(2 - 1)x - 4 = -8#

#1x - 4 = -8#

#x - 4 = -8#

Next, isolate and solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#x - 4 + color(red)(4) = -8 + color(red)(4)#

#x - 0 = -4#

#x = -4#