Just making sure of this math problem?

I'm just making sure if I have this math problem right. The problem is:

Solve this equation for the indicated variable: -x = -23

Wouldn't X just be -23?

Plain Vanilla2008-09-01T16:08:49Z

Favorite Answer

-x = -23
multiply both sides by -1
x = 23

starfirerockin2008-09-01T16:09:23Z

if -x=-23 then x=23

Matt D2008-09-01T16:15:15Z

no, if they are asking for x then the answer is x=23. What you want to do is to get plain ole positive x by itself. If you multiply each side by (-1) you get -1(-x)=(-23)(-1) which reduces to:

x=23 once you cancel the negative signs

CC2008-09-01T16:09:01Z

wouldn't it just be 23 cuse x already has a negative sign

ringoR2008-09-01T16:09:05Z

Nope. ^-^
x = 23

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