how do I find the answer to x+4

Question

how do i find the answer

Answer 1

x + 4  is an expression and all you can do is simplify. In this case it is in its simplest form. the answer is  just that x + 4.   If the question is solve for X in the equation x + 4, then you set up an equation and solve for X, by isolating the variable X.  example.

x + 4 = 0

additiive inverse of -4 to both sides of the equation,  X= - 4

So, check carefully what the question really is asking and repost!

Ms. M.

x = -4

Answer 2

Hi Lori! 

Typically an algebraic expression like this doesn't have an "answer."  Without an equals sign, "x+4" just means "a value that is four more than x."  You might use this kind of expression in a word problem such as "Juan can mow x lawns in an hour, and Jack can mow four more lawns in an hour than Jack can..."  In this case, the number of lawns Juan can mow would be represented by the variable "x" and the number Jack can mow would be represented by the expression "x+4."

To be able to solve it, this expression should be an equation.  In other words, your book should tell you what x+4 equals.  Here's an example:   x+4=12

To solve this equation, you need to get x by itself.  To do this, you can subtract 4 from each side of the equation.  Remember, whatever you do to one side of an equation you MUST do to the other.  Subtracting four from the left side (x+4) gives you x.  Subtracting four from the right side (12) gives you 8.   This leaves you with the answer: x=8

x    +   4    =   12

        -4         -4

x              =  8