Question

Is this equation always, sometimes, or never true?
5x-11+3x=5+8x-16

Answer 1

Do I need to get rid of the 5x first? Or the 3x? Do I combine like terms? Distributive property?

Answer 2

\[5x-11+3x=5+8x-16\]
so first: combine like terms
\[\large \color{red}{5x}-\color{blue}{11}+\color{red}{3x}= \color{blue}{5}+\color{red}{8x}- \color{blue}{16}\]

Answer 3

so 5x + 3x on Left ... and 5 - 16 on right
then you'll just have a
8x - 11 on left and 8x - 11 on right
so it's always true... as Left hand side = right hand side

Answer 4

Thanks so much @Jack1 ! You're a lifesaver! I really appreciate the help!

Answer 5

nah, all good hay ;)