Solve 1 − 4x = −19
Linear equation, worked out line by line the way a teacher would write it.
Answer
| Solution | x = 5 |
Step-by-step solution
5 steps-
1 Given1 - 4 x = -19
Solve for x.
-
2 Subtract 1 from both sides
An equation stays true as long as you do the same thing to both sides, like adding the same weight to both pans of a balance. Adding or subtracting the same amount on both sides moves a term to the other side, where it appears with the opposite sign.
- 4 x = -20Move the constant terms to the right.
-
3 Divide both sides by -4
Dividing both sides by -4 undoes the multiplication by -4, so the variable is left on its own. Both sides change in the same way, so the equation stays true (dividing by 0 is the one thing that is never allowed).
x = \frac{-20}{-4} -
4 Simplifyx = 5
-
5 Check\begin{aligned}x = 5:\quad -19 = -19\quad\checkmark\end{aligned}
Substituting each solution back makes both sides equal.
Check by substitution
| x | Left side | Right side | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | −19 | −19 | ✓ |
Open this problem in the solver
Change a number or try your own problem: the solver works it out the same way, with a graph and hint mode.