How do you solve -9( x + 5) = 81?

2 Answers
Nov 27, 2016

x= -14

Explanation:

Distribute:
-9x - 45 = 81
Common factors:
-9x = 81 + 45
Solve for X
-9x = 126
x = 126/-9
x= -14

Nov 27, 2016

x = -14

Explanation:

First, divide each side of the equation by -9:

(-9(x + 5))/-9 = 81/(-9)

(cancel(-9)(x + 5))/cancel(-9) = -9

x + 5 = -9

Now subtract 5 from each side of the equation to solve for x while keeping the equation balanced:

x + 5 - 5 = -9 - 5

x + 0 = -14

x = -14