Answer
$$z = 5/2$$
Work Step by Step
$\frac{1}{2}(4z + 8) - 16 = -\frac{2}{3}(9z - 12)$
Expand the left side of the equation: $\frac{1}{2}(4z + 8) - 16$ = $(2z + 4) - 16$ = $2z - 12$
Expand the right side of the equation: $-\frac{2}{3}(9z - 12)$ = $-6z + 8$
Rewrite the equation:
$2z - 12$ = $-6z + 8$
Add 12 to both sides:
$$2z - 12 + 12 = -6z + 8 + 12$$ $$2z = -6z + 20$$
Simplify:
$$8z = 20$$
Divide both sides by $8$:
$$z = 5/2$$