We want to solve the following equation.
-2(x+5) = 4
First, let's use the Distributive Property to simplify the left-hand side of the equation.
(-2 * x )+ (-2 * 5 ) &= 4
⇓ &
-2x +(-10)&= 4
Next, let's use inverse operations in order to isolate the variable. First, let's use the Addition Property of Equality and add 10 to both sides of the equation. That way, we will isolate -2x on the left-hand side of the equation.
-2x +(-10)&= 4
&⇓
-2x &= 4 + 10
Next, let's simplify the right-hand side and use the Division Property of Equality and divide both sides of the equation by -2. That way, we will isolate x on the left-hand side of the equation.
-2x &= 4 + 10
&⇓
x &= 14/-2
Finally, let's simplify the fraction at the right-hand side.
