To solve the equation \( 7x - 4 = x - 16 \), follow these steps:
Isolate the variable terms on one side. Subtract \( x \) from both sides: \[ 7x - x - 4 = -16 \] This simplifies to: \[ 6x - 4 = -16 \]
Move the constant term to the other side. Add 4 to both sides: \[ 6x = -16 + 4 \] This simplifies to: \[ 6x = -12 \]
Solve for \( x \) by dividing both sides by 6: \[ x = \frac{-12}{6} \] This simplifies to: \[ x = -2 \]
So, the solution is \( x = -2 \).