11. After combining like terms to simplify the equation 3−15x+24+16x=4x−24−4x3−15x+24+16x=4x−24−4x , what would be the next best step to finish solving?(1 point)

1 answer

To simplify the equation \( 3 - 15x + 24 + 16x = 4x - 24 - 4x \), let's first combine like terms on both sides.

Starting with the left side:

  • Combine the constants: \( 3 + 24 = 27 \)
  • Combine the \( x \)-terms: \( -15x + 16x = 1x \) or simply \( x \)

So the left side simplifies to: \[ 27 + x \]

Now, for the right side:

  • Combine the \( x \)-terms: \( 4x - 4x = 0 \)
  • Thus, the right side simplifies to: \[ -24 \]

Now, the equation looks like this: \[ 27 + x = -24 \]

The next best step to finish solving the equation would be to isolate \( x \). To do this, subtract 27 from both sides: \[ x = -24 - 27 \] This simplifies to: \[ x = -51 \]

So \( x = -51 \) is your solution.