What is the first step needed to solve (2/5)x - 6 = -16

Add 6 to both sides

Step-by-step explanation:

The (usual) first thing to do when solving any equation is to simplify both sides of the equation. However, since we have nothing to simplify, we move onto the next step that'll be the first step: isolating the variable, x. To do so, we must do the inverse of subtracting 6 (which is adding 6).

let m = monomial

let t = trinomial

so, m times t = t.

monomial times a trinomial = another trinomial.