Can you solve this pre-algebra problem?

Question

I'm in pre-algebra and I'm stuck on this problem, I have tried to get help from several people. They know the answer, but they can't explain how they got to it. Could you please solve it step by step?

x = 20 - 4x

Thanks for all the help! Can I ask a few things though? Why does adding 4x to the other side make it 5x? I don't really get it.
Oh and 20/5 = 4 : D

Oh and where does the subtraction mark come in?
Gah! I feel so dumb and clueless even though I pass with flying colors on every other page.

Answer 1

x=20-4x
you want to make sure you have all the variables (x's) on one side so you need to add 4x to each side
4x + x = 20 then you want to combine like terms
5x=20 then divide everything by 5 to make sure the variable is alone
x=4

Answer 2

x = 20 - 4x

x + 4x = 20 - 4x + 4x, (add 4x to both sides)

5x = 20 (Divide 5 by both sides)

x = 4, There is your answer.

Well, adding 4x by both sides will get rid of the - 4x on the right side and combine with the x on the other side 1 + 4 = 5. This way you have x by itself which is what you always try to do on these types of problems.

Answer 3

Well, I think this problem is a guess- and- check problem, so you try the numbers 1-9 for x, and your answer is 4:

20- 4(1) ?= 1 no

20- 4(2) ?= 2 no

20- 4(3) ?= 3 no

20- 4(4) ?= 4 YES!!!!!!!!!

so, that's how you find out x.

Answer 4

x = 20 - 4x

1. Add 4x to both sides, so your equation would be 5x = 20.
2. Divide both sides by 5, so x = 4.

Does this help?

Answer 5

add the 4x to the other side, so it's now:

5x=20

now divide both sides by 5, so:

x= whatever 20 divided by 5 is. i don't want to give the answer. sorry! :]

Answer 6

x = 20 - 4x
Add 4x to both sides
5x = 20
Divide both sides by 5
x = 4

Answer 7

True.

Kidding. x=4

x+4x =20
x(1+4) =20
x(5) =20
x=4