How do I solve equations with variables on both sides, like 3x + 5 = 2x - 7?
I understand how to solve equations where x is on one side. But when x appears on both sides, I get confused about which side to put x on and which side to put numbers on.
1 Answer
KSKaran Singh
✓ Accepted
· 14d ago
▲ 5
Goal: get all variables (x terms) on one side and all numbers on the other side. For 3x + 5 = 2x - 7: Step 1: Move x terms to left. Subtract 2x from both sides: 3x - 2x + 5 = -7. Simplify: x + 5 = -7. Step 2: Move numbers to right. Subtract 5 from both sides: x = -7 - 5. x = -12. Check: Left side: 3(-12) + 5 = -36 + 5 = -31. Right side: 2(-12) - 7 = -24 - 7 = -31. Both sides equal, so x = -12 is correct. Always verify your answer by substituting back into the ORIGINAL equation.
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