Solve Equations with Variables
PROBLEM #1 Solve for x. -24 - 3x = 9x Step One Add 3x to each side: (You are attempting to get your variables (x's) on one side) -24 = 12x Step Two Divide both sides by 12 (You divide by 12 in order to get the x by itself) -2 = x Step Three Check your answer by plugging in the -2 for the x's in the original equation: -24 - 3(-2) = 9(-2) -24 + 6 = -18 -18 = -18 -18 does equal -18 therefore we know our answer (x = -2) is correct. PROBLEM #2 Solve for x. 4x = -8 + 5x Step One Subtract 5x from each side: (You are attempting to get your variables (x's) on one side) -x = -8 Step Two Use logical reasoning to determining what x is equaled to, considering you know what negative x equals: If -x = -8, then x = 8 Step Three Check your answer by plugging in the 8 for the x's in the original equation: 4(8) = -8 + 5(8) 32 = -8 + 40 32 = 32 32 does equal 32 therefore we know our answer (x = 8) is correct.