Question

Solve the equation. $$22=18-\frac{1}{4} x$$

Short answer

The solution to the equation is \( x = -16 \)

Step-by-step solution

Transpose

Rearrange the equation by taking 18 to the left side of the equation: \(22 - 18 = -\frac{1}{4} x\)

Simplify

Simplify the left side \(4 = -\frac{1}{4} x\)

Isolation of variable x

To isolate \( x \), multiply both sides by \( -4 \): \(4 \times -4 = -\frac{1}{4} x \times -4\)

Solution

Simplify to solve for \( x \): \( -16 = x \)

Key concepts

Transposing Terms

In solving linear equations, the method of transposing terms to one side effectively assists in ultimately isolating the variable. When you encounter an equation like \(22=18-\frac{1}{4} x\), the goal is to get the variable, in this case, \(x\), on one side by itself. To do so, begin by moving the constant terms to the opposite side. Think of it as keeping a balance. Whatever is done to one side must be reflected on the other. You can imagine an equation as a set of scales that must remain in balance, where subtracting 18 from one side must be countered by subtracting 18 from the other, leading to \(22 - 18 = -\frac{1}{4} x\). By transposing, you've effectively simplified the equation to a more manageable form—laying the foundation for easier isolation of the variable.

Isolating the Variable

After transposition, the process to isolate the variable involves performing operations that will leave the variable on one side of the equation and everything else on the other. It's like searching for a treasure chest on an island; you need to remove the sand to uncover the chest beneath. From the equation \(4 = -\frac{1}{4} x\), note that the variable \(x\) is multiplied by \( -\frac{1}{4} \). To free \(x\) from this multiplier, do the inverse operation—multiply both sides by the reciprocal (or opposite) of \( -\frac{1}{4} \) which is \( -4 \). This step, \(4 \times -4 = -\frac{1}{4} x \times -4\), cancels out the \( -\frac{1}{4} \) and leaves \(x\) standing alone, shining like the treasure you’ve been seeking.

Equation Simplification

With the variable isolated, the final step is equation simplification. This is equivalent to polishing the treasure you just found, so it's clear and sparkles with value. Simplification often involves performing the arithmetic to reduce the equation to its simplest form. For our example, \(4 \times -4 = -\frac{1}{4} x \times -4\), simplification means carrying out the multiplication which gives us \( -16 = x \). At this point, the equation cannot be simplified any further; \(x\) has been placed in clear view and its value is evident. Think of simplification as wrapping up the problem with a neat bow, confirming that you have indeed solved the equation correctly, and then proudly presenting your solution to the world—or at least, to your math teacher.