We will let x be the missing number.
In the question it says -4 times a number plus 16 is equal to 116. How can we build from the statement into an equation? First off, "a number" is our x variable. So, the left-hand side can be -4x + 16. What about the right-hand side? Well, in the question it states that -4 times a number plus 16 is -116. "Is" in mathematics can mean equal.
Now we have our equation.
-4x + 16 = -116
Solve for x.
Subtract each side by 16.
(-4x + 16) - 16 = -116 - 16 =
-4x = -132
Divide both sides by -4.
-4x / -4 = -132 / -4 =
x = 33
So, x is equal to 33.
