Answer:
[tex]Given equation: \(24 = 3 - (-x - 16)\)[/tex]
[tex]1. Distribute the negative sign inside the parentheses: \[24 = 3 + x + 16\][/tex]
[tex]2. Combine like terms on the right side: \[24 = x + 19\][/tex]
[tex]3. Move 19 to the left side by subtracting it from both sides of the equation: \[24 - 19 = x + 19 - 19\] \[5 = x\][/tex]
[tex]So, the solution to the equation is \(x = 5\).[/tex]
Step-by-step explanation: