Maths Question

Question

Solve for x:   4 - 1/2 (x + 5) =16

Answer 1

 4 - 1/2 (x + 5) =16

4 - 1/2x - 5/2 = 16 distribute the -1/2 to the terms inside the parentheses

4 - 5/2 - 16 = 1/2x combine like terms

-14.5 = 1/2x simplify algebraically

x = -14.5 / (1/2) = -29 divide both sides by 1/2

so the end value that it's after here is x = -29

Answer 2

4 - 1/2(x + 5) = 16

4 - 1/2x - 2 1/2 = 16

4 - 2 1/2 - 16 = 1/2x

14.5 = 1/2x

29=x