Solve -2(-3x - 8) = 4.?

-2(-3x - 8) = 4
6x+16=4
6x+16-16=4-16
6x=-12
x=-2

hope this helps!(the equal signs are in one line!!!)

-2(-3x-8) = 4

(-3x-8) = -2 (both sides :-2)
-3x = 6 (both sides +8)
x = -2 (both sides :-3)

I think what you need is to remember that minus*minus = plus, and plus:minus = minus. :)

-2(-3x - 8) = 4
(-2)*(-3x) + (-2)*(-8) = 4
6x + 16 = 4
6x = 4 - 16
6x = -12
x = -12/6
x=-2

-2(-3x - 8) = 4
=> 6x + 16 = 4
=> 6x = 4 - 16
=> 6x = -12
=> x = -12/6
=> x = -2

I think you always get wrong due to signs. Remember that a minus by a minus gives you a plus. While minus by a plus gives you a minus.