Question

what value of w is a solution to this equation?
36 = -7w - 20
w = -8 w = -6

Explanation:

Step1: Add 20 to both sides

To isolate the term with \( w \), we add 20 to both sides of the equation \( 36 = -7w - 20 \). This gives us \( 36 + 20 = -7w - 20 + 20 \), which simplifies to \( 56 = -7w \).

Step2: Divide by -7

Now, we divide both sides of the equation \( 56 = -7w \) by -7 to solve for \( w \). So, \( \frac{56}{-7} = \frac{-7w}{-7} \), which simplifies to \( w = -8 \).

We can also check by substituting \( w = -8 \) back into the original equation:
Left side: \( 36 \)
Right side: \( -7(-8) - 20 = 56 - 20 = 36 \). Both sides are equal, so \( w = -8 \) is the solution.

Answer:

\( w = -8 \)