my son is starting to work with geometry can you help with this queston 5x-20=16+x x=

Answer 1

x = 9

Get the variable on one side of the equation and the numbers on the other by adding or subtracting of their opposites as needed

5x - 20 = 16 + x

subtract x (NOT) 5x from both sides of the equation

5x - x - 20 =16 + x - x

Now combine like terms

4x - 20 = 16

Now add 20 to both sides of the equation

4x - 20 + 20 = 16 + 20

4x = 36

Divide both sides by 4

4x/4 = 36/4

x = 9

Now check your result by plugging your answer in to the original equation

5x - 20 = 16 + x

5(9) - 20 = 16 + 9

45 - 20 = 25

25 = 25

I hope you find this useful if you have any questions please send me a message.