Question

(x+f)+2=j for x

Answer 1

Hi,

(x + f) + 2 = j

Remove the parenthesis

x + f + 2 = j (Subtract 2)
x + f = j - 2 (Now subtract f)

This will solve for x. You see, we need to perform the opposite action to undo the terms. But, what you do to one side, you must to do the other. That's why you see -2 over on the right side. Because I subtracted 2 -2, then I gotta subtract 2 from the other side.

It's like if you had a scale with 5 pounds on each side, and you take off 1 pound from one side by subtracting (removing) it. Then you have to do that to the other side, or else you'll have 4 pound and 5 pounds on either side. Then you don't have an equation (Equation is latin for EQUAL).