16-4x= -2(2x-8) solve for x

Answer 1

16 - 4x = -2(2x - 8)

First distribute the "-2" to the two items within the parenthesis:

16 - 4x = -4x + 16

Add "4x" to both sides of the equation to get:

16 = 16

Ask "Does 16 equal 16?", of course it does. And it doesn't matter what "x" is, 16 will still equal 16. So the solution is "All real numbers".

Answer 2

16 - 4x = -2(2x-8)

Two choices here: either distribute the -2 on the right side or divide both sides by -2.

16 - 4x = -2(2x) + (-2)(-8)

Most students choose to distribute, so that is what I did.

16 - 4x = - 4x + 16

Combine like terms so that all variables are on one side (add 4x to both sides)

16 = 16

All variables cancel and 16 DOES equal 16.

All solutions

This is the final answer. This means that no matter what value you substitute for x, this equation will be true.