Two-step math equation

Question

The sum of twice a number and 19 is -23

Answer 1

Let's let the variable x represent the unknown number. The words "twice a number" could be

represented by: 2x

The word "sum" indicates addition , so the words " sum of twice a number and 19" can be

represented by: 2x + 19

The words "is -23" can be represented by: = -23

Combining these expressions into an equation gives us:

2x + 19 = -23

You can solve this equation using inverses operations as follows:

2x + 19 = -23

2x + 19 - 19 = -23 -19

2x = -42

2x/2 = -42/2

x = -21