Question

When solving this equation: -16 + x = -15 we start with adding 16 to both sides. Why do we use addition?​

Answer 1

So you can cancel out the 16. See, the -16 is negative, and if we add +16 to it, then it cancels out and is 0. That way, you have x=1.

Explanation:

-16x+x=-15

+16x +16

0+x=1

x=1