For what value of q is the equation –13(q + 4) = 7q + 16 true?

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-13(q + 4) = 7q + 16

Distribute the coefficient outside of the parenthesis:

-13(q) - 13(4) = 7q + 16

Simplify:

-13q - 52 = 7q + 16

Isolate for q by subtracting 7q from both sides:

-13q - 7q - 52 = 7q - 7q + 16

-20q - 52 = 16

Add 52 to both sides:

-20q - 52 + 52 = 16 + 52

-20q = 68

Divide both sides by -20:

-20q / (-20) = 68 / (-20)

q = -3.4