How do you solve the equation #5x+12=-3x-4#?

1 Answer
Jan 20, 2017

#x=-2#

Explanation:

Collect terms in x on the left side of the equation and numeric values on the right side.

add 3x to both sides.

#5x+3x+12=cancel(-3x)cancel(+3x)-4#

#rArr8x+12=-4#

subtract 12 from both sides.

#8xcancel(+12)cancel(-12)=-4-12#

#rArr8x=-16#

To solve for x, divide both sides by 8

#(cancel(8) x)/cancel(8)=(-16)/8#

#rArrx=-2#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

Substitute this value into the equation and if the left side is equal to the right side for this value then it is the solution.

#"left side "=(5xx-2)+12=-10+12=2#

#"right side "=-(3xx-2)-4==6-4=2#

#rArrx=-2" is the solution"#