Question

Combine like terms. Then, solve for x.
9x - 8 + 7x = 8
[?]x - 8 = 8 (9x + 7x goes in the [?])
x = [?]

Answer 1

First, let's combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

\[
9x + 7x = 16x
\]

So the equation can be rewritten as:

\[
16x - 8 = 8
\]

Next, we will isolate the variable \(x\). First, add 8 to both sides of the equation:

\[
16x - 8 + 8 = 8 + 8
\]

This simplifies to:

\[
16x = 16
\]

Now, divide both sides by 16 to solve for \(x\):

\[
x = \frac{16}{16}
\]

So:

\[
x = 1
\]

In summary:
- The missing number in the first part is \(16\).
- The solution for \(x\) is \(1\).

Final answer:
- \([?] = 16\)
- \(x = 1\)