Question

Solving equations with variables on both sides. Must show work
five x minus two plus three x == seventeen plus twelve x minus 23
5x-2+3 = 17+12x-23

Answer 1

Simple, let's follow first combine like terms,can you do that?

Answer 2

somewhat ish

Answer 3

Ok well first start off by telling me what the like terms are.

Answer 4

5x 3x and 12x

Answer 5

Perfect, so first let's combine the ones on the left side, 5x and 3x. Remember to carry the sign!

Answer 6

So 5x + 3x = ?

Answer 7

8x

Answer 8

Excellent! So know I always like to think of it this way "Take the baby to the mommy", in other words take the smaller sum, in this case 8x, and combine it with the bigger sum, 12x. Remember to do the inverse operation :D

Answer 9

so is it 12x - 8x?

Answer 10

Ok sorry I was afk, anyways yes since 8x is positive.

Answer 11

so now the equation is 2= 4x+ 17 - 23?

Answer 12

So then afterwards you should get:

\[-2 = 4x + 17 - 23 \]

Answer 13

ok

Answer 14

Precisely, so now you would combine the other like terms, 17 and -23.

P.S. On that -2 remember to carry the sign with it :)

Answer 15

and 17- 23 = -6
so then the equation should be
-2= 4x + -6

Answer 16

i think i got it ......... x= 1???

Answer 17

Yes! you would basically do:

-2 = 4x - 6
+6 +6
4 = 4x
/4 /4
x = 1

Answer 18

Well done :D

Answer 19

My only tip is to always remember those signs, they can get tricky :)

Answer 20

thank you will you also help me with this one


4 ( x + 5) + 2 = x + 3

Answer 21

Ok, in this case we need to get those pesky parenthesis out of the way, can you show me the distributed form?

Answer 22

4x + 20 + 2 = x + 3

Answer 23

Yes! So now do exactly the same as last time, combine the 4x and x (1x)

Answer 24

-3 x ?

Answer 25

Well technically you are right, but remember, it's easier to take the smaller sum to the larger one, so for this example let's do 4x - 1x = 3x

Answer 26

so now I have
20 + 2 = -3x + 3 right?

Answer 27

Eh scratch what I said, let's just move on :)

So now let's add the 20 and the 2

Answer 28

22 = 3x + 3 ? right ?

Answer 29

Yes, so now let's combine that 3 and the 22

P.S. Again, remember the negative sign on that 3 :)

Answer 30

19

Answer 31

Wait I think we made a mistake somewhere, one second...

Answer 32

are you sure you copied the problem correctly?

Answer 33

yes

Answer 34

Hmmm, I am getting a decimal here, is that something your teacher has had you do before?

Answer 35

no but she said we will get a decimal answer

Answer 36

Oh ok, I found it weird since most teachers don't like to give decimal problems, anyway so let's continue, 3x = 19 so we divide 19 by 3

Answer 37

i got it

Answer 38

Ok glad I could help!

A medal would be much appreciated :)