What is 16 plus h plus 43 equals 81?

Answer 1

First let's write out the equation.

16 + h + 43 = 81

Now in algebra we're taught to always combine like terms. Meaning keeping similar variables together and simply keeping numbers by themselves. So to keep with this we must add the like terms on the left side of the equation.

16 + 43 + h = 81

59 + h = 81

Now we come to final step. We need to get the variable alone. This may seem scary but it's not, simply take that whole number (59) and perform the opposite function to undo it.

Opposite Functions:

• Addition and Subtraction
• Multiplication and Division

Exponents and Squareroots

So now we see that since 59 is being added to the variable, let's just go ahead and do the opposite which is subtract.

59 + h = 81 (rewrite)

59 - 59 + h = 81 (opposite function)

Now in Algebra we have a pesky little rule that always tell us to do something to equations. For everything we do on the left or right side... meaning add, subtract, multiply, divide, etc... we must always do the same so the other side.

59 - 59 + h = 81 (rewrite)

59 - 59 + h = 81 - 59 (keeping the same)

Now finally perform the basic operations you see in front of you.

h = 81 - 59 = 22

h = 22

Remember to double check your answer by plugging in the value of h.

16 + 22 + 43 = 81?

81 = 81.