Need Help with solving 18x + 12 = -4 (confused by negative)

[zcid]

Hello and thank you for your help. I have looked up videos on youtube as well as other math sites.
I was able to simplify the problem somewhat but I am getting confused because of the negative.

Here is what I need to solve:
18x + 12 = -4

It is the negative that has me confused. I don't know what I am supposed to subtract at first. I know -16 +12 = -4 but I don't know how to get there. It seems X=2 when I do it the way I have been doing but that must be wrong.
Any help, along with an explaination would be greatly appreciated.

 

[zcid]

Re: Need Help with Algebra Problem

I think I got it. Is it - 8/9ths

 

[Loren]

Re: Need Help with Algebra Problem

Here's how to check for yourself.
Original equation...
18x + 12 = -4

Your supposed answer x=-8/9.

Plug it in, in place of the x, and see it it tells the truth.

18(-8/9) + 12 = -4???
18(-8/9) = 2(-8)=-16
So, we have...
-16 +12 = -4??? Yep! You got it right.