Question

solve the equation $-\frac{1}{2}x - 3 = 4$. what is the value of $x$? $x = \square$

Explanation:

Step1: Add 3 to both sides

To isolate the term with \( x \), we add 3 to both sides of the equation \( -\frac{1}{2}x - 3 = 4 \). This gives us \( -\frac{1}{2}x - 3 + 3 = 4 + 3 \), which simplifies to \( -\frac{1}{2}x = 7 \).

Step2: Multiply both sides by -2

To solve for \( x \), we multiply both sides of the equation \( -\frac{1}{2}x = 7 \) by -2. This is because multiplying by the reciprocal of \( -\frac{1}{2} \) (which is -2) will isolate \( x \). So, \( (-2) \times (-\frac{1}{2}x) = 7 \times (-2) \), which simplifies to \( x = -14 \).

Answer:

\( x = -14 \)