In order to solve the following equation:
-4x - 9 = 23
We want to "leave alone" the x on one side of the equation.
In order to solve the equation for x we just have to remember one simple rule:
Step 1: taking -9 to the right side
We want to take -9 to the right side of the equation:
-4x - 9 = 23
↓ adding 9 both sides
-4x - 9 + 9 = 23 + 9
↓ since - 9 + 9 = 0 on the left side and 23 + 9 = 32 on the right
-4x + 0 = 32
-4x = 32
Step 2: taking -4 to the right side
We want to take -4 to the right side of the equation:
-4x = 32
↓ dividing - 4 both sides
-4x/(-4) = 32/(-4)
↓ since -4x/4=x on the left side and 32/(-4) = -8 on the right
x = -8
