Solve 3x + 4 = 16
The solution of 3x + 4 = 16 is x = 4.
How to work it out
- 1
The goal is to get x alone. Undo the operations in the opposite order: first the addition, then the multiplication.
- 2
Subtract 4 from both sides:
- 3
Divide both sides by 3:
- 4
Check: put x = 4 back into the equation.
LaTeX source of the formulas on this page
\[ 3x + 4 = 16\ \Rightarrow\ x = 4 \]
\[ 3x + 4 = 16 \]
\[ 3x + 4 - 4 = 16 - 4 \ \Rightarrow\ 3x = 12 \]
\[ \frac{3x}{3} = \frac{12}{3} \ \Rightarrow\ x = 4 \]
\[ 3\cdot4 + 4 = 12 + 4 = 16 \checkmark \]Trying values of x in 3x + 4 = 16
| x | 3x + 4 | Equals 16? |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 | no |
| 3 | 13 | no |
| 4 | 16 | yes |
| 5 | 19 | no |
| 6 | 22 | no |
Questions
What is x in 3x + 4 = 16?
The solution of 3x + 4 = 16 is x = 4.
How do you solve 3x + 4 = 16?
Subtract 4 from both sides to get 3x = 12, then divide both sides by 3 to get x = 4.
How do I check the answer?
Replace x by 4: 3(4) + 4 = 16, which is 16.