I really need help with a math problem...?

Question

5x-x=(-12)

how would i figure that out (please include the answer) thank you so much!

Answer 1

5x - x = -12

Distributive law of multiplication:

x(5 - 1) = -12

x(4) = -12

Commutative law of multiplication:

4x = -12

1/4(4x) = 1/4(-12)

(1/4)(4)x = 1/4 × (-12/1)

(1)x = -12/4 = -3

x = -3

That's the long way... if you've got experience with algebra, it's really just 2 steps.

5x - x = -12

4x = -12

x = -12/4 = -3