3 answers
Mateo
Student
Durham, North Carolina
1
Question
3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Well, I'm no mathematician, but, essentially, you have to isolate the "x" on one side of the equal sign, with all else being on the other side. You do this by adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, as necessary, remembering that whatever you do on one side of the equal sign, you must also do on the other side.
In a simple example:
2x + 3 = 5
subtract 3 from both sides
2x+3-3=5-3
2x=2
divide both sides by 2
2x/2 =2/2
x=1
In a simple example:
2x + 3 = 5
subtract 3 from both sides
2x+3-3=5-3
2x=2
divide both sides by 2
2x/2 =2/2
x=1
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
183
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
This is a very broad and general question. My best guess is that you are tackling solutions of linear equations, the first taste of introductory algebra.
Since we are not attempting to tutor students in mathematics here, my best advice is for you to review your class materials and work with your teacher on the key concepts and solution techniques.
The best way in learning mathematics is to tackle as many problems as you can.
Since we are not attempting to tutor students in mathematics here, my best advice is for you to review your class materials and work with your teacher on the key concepts and solution techniques.
The best way in learning mathematics is to tackle as many problems as you can.
Diane Jarrett
20
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Diane’s Answer
To solve for X you must get the “x” alone. 12=2x+2. If part of the equation has addition (+2) you will need to do the opposite—subtraction. If an equation has multiplication, you will need to do the opposite—Division (2x).
12=2x+2
12-2=2x+2-2
See how we subtract 2 on both sides of the equal sign.
After subtracting the 2 on each side, the equation now looks like this.
10=2x
To get x by itself, we need to divide both sides by 2.
10/2=2x/2
Now we have
5=x
We can check our answer. Go back to the original equation and insert 5 for x
12=2x+2 (the original equation)
12=2(5)+2
12=10+2
12=12 (we just confirmed x=5)
Remember when solving for x (or whatever letter),
Start with the + and - first. After that, do x (multiplication) and / (division) last.
Let’s look at another to see if you understand
37= 5x-8
37+8=5x-8+8
45=5x
45/5=5x/5
9=x
Checking our work,
37=5(9)-8
37=45-8
37=37
Practice. Start with simple equations and advance to more complex.
12=2x+2
12-2=2x+2-2
See how we subtract 2 on both sides of the equal sign.
After subtracting the 2 on each side, the equation now looks like this.
10=2x
To get x by itself, we need to divide both sides by 2.
10/2=2x/2
Now we have
5=x
We can check our answer. Go back to the original equation and insert 5 for x
12=2x+2 (the original equation)
12=2(5)+2
12=10+2
12=12 (we just confirmed x=5)
Remember when solving for x (or whatever letter),
Start with the + and - first. After that, do x (multiplication) and / (division) last.
Let’s look at another to see if you understand
37= 5x-8
37+8=5x-8+8
45=5x
45/5=5x/5
9=x
Checking our work,
37=5(9)-8
37=45-8
37=37
Diane recommends the following next steps: