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.