Question

Help please to Solve the equation. If it is an identity (all real numbers) or a contradiction (no solution), so state.
4x – x – 1 = 1 + 3x

Answer 1

well, what happens when you try to get all the x's on one side?

Answer 2

move all the x's to the left, and tell me what happens

Answer 3

ok. brb

Answer 4

4x – x – 1 = 1 + 3x
4x –x -1 = 1+ 3x
4x- x- 1 -3x = 1 + 3x – 3x -1
1x-x = 0
1x-x/1 = 0/1
x = 0

Answer 5

that's incorrect

Answer 6

what is 4x -x?

Answer 7

4+1

Answer 8

4x-x = 3x

Answer 9

it's combining like terms

Answer 10

we have 4x -x -1 = 1 + 3x

Answer 11

simplifying the left, we have 3x -1
the right is already simplified

Answer 12

when we solve equations, our goal is to get the variable, in this case x, on one side so we can solve for it

Answer 13

we do this by subtracting from both sides, but if we do that here, all the x's disappear entirely

Answer 14

i know what I'm suppose to be doing but i mostly have problems with identify the signs and putting them in there right order. I subtract when I'm suppose to add the signs

Answer 15

so you are confusing addition with subtraction?

Answer 16

at any rate, if all the x's disappear, you are left with 0 = 2

Answer 17

which is a contradiction

Answer 18

o ok. So I should do the problem like this:
4x – x – 1 = 1 + 3x
4x- x - 1 -3x = 1+ 3x- 3x
3x /3 = 0/3
x = 0

Answer 19

Can you please show me on the twiddla board please. I learn better by watching the person do the problem. If you don't mind

Answer 20

4x – x – 1 = 1 + 3x
4x- x - 1 -3x = 1+ 3x- 3x combine like terms
0 = 1+1
0 = 2

Answer 21

yep

Answer 22

twiddle board not necessary.you got it

Answer 23

the answer is an contradiction because zero can not equal two

Answer 24

exactly

Answer 25

Thank you so much. Can you please be my tutor? I'm in desperate need of better understanding the basic concepts of the symbols and signs more profoundly.

Answer 26

I forget about the x turning into 1 that's why I always get it wrong. I have to right that down on a post it next to the computer so I can remember.

Answer 27

i'm around on the site pretty frequently

Answer 28

Thank you so much for all your help. I know I really look dumb not remembering this stuff but it's heard trying to focus on math and having small children around and it didn't help that I transferred in this class late. So now I'm trying to play catch up.

Answer 29

you're not dumb. math requires a lot of time and that's hard to do when you have a life outside of school, but you will only be successful with it if you make the time for it..good luck :)

Answer 30

Thanks and I will do my to make sure that happens.