Question

Solve the equation. $$4=-b-12$$

Short answer

The solution to the equation \(4=-b-12\) is \(b=-16\).

Step-by-step solution

Balance the equation

First, move the constants gathering to one side. This can be achieved by adding 12 to both sides of equation, from which follows \(4 + 12 = -b -12 + 12\).

Simplify the equation

After simplifying it results in \(16 = -b\). The goal is to express 'b', so need to deal with the negative sign attached to 'b'.

Remove negative sign

To get 'b' in positive, multiply both sides of equation by -1, i.e. \(16 * -1 = -b * -1\). This principle is called the multiplication property of equality.

Final solution

After executing the operation, the result is: \(-16 = b\). Thus, the solution to this equation is \(-16\).