How do you solve #5x - 8= 4+ 3x#?

1 Answer
Mar 1, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add #color(red)(8)# and subtract #color(blue)(3x)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#5x - 8 + color(red)(8) - color(blue)(3x) = 4 + 3x + color(red)(8) - color(blue)(3x)#

#5x - color(blue)(3x) - 8 + color(red)(8) = 4 + color(red)(8) + 3x - color(blue)(3x)#

#2x - 0 = 12 + 0#

#2x = 12#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(2)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(2x)/color(red)(2) = 12/color(red)(2)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2)))x)/cancel(color(red)(2)) = 6#

#x = 6#