6 times the sum of a number and 5 is 16 | MathCelebrity Forum

6 times the sum of a number and 5 is 16

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6 times the sum of a number and 5 is 16

A number represents an arbitrary variable, let's call it x
x

The sum of x and 5
x + 5

6 times the sum of x and 5
6(x + 5)

Is means equal to, so set 6(x + 5) equal to 16
6(x + 5) = 16 <-- This is our algebraic expression

Solve for x

Multiply through:
6x + 30 = 16

Subtract 30 from each side:
6x - 30 + 30 = 16 - 30
6x = -14

Divide each side by 6
6x/6 = -14/6

Simplify this fraction by dividing top and bottom by 2:
x = -7/3

 
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