SOLUTION: i dont understand how to do this work.... solve for x (4x+1)-(x+4)=18 i know that you have to remove par. so i did that and then my teacher told me to combine like terms..

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: i dont understand how to do this work.... solve for x (4x+1)-(x+4)=18 i know that you have to remove par. so i did that and then my teacher told me to combine like terms..       Log On

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Question 13551: i dont understand how to do this work....
solve for x
(4x+1)-(x+4)=18
i know that you have to remove par.
so i did that
and then my teacher told me to combine like terms..
that leaves me with 3x+5=18
then now i subtract 5 from both sides...
that leaves me with 3x=13
i dont think that i did that right
but i always get stuck
on certain parts
can you please help me to try to understand how to do this?
any help would be appreciated
Answer by ntnk(50) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(4x + 1) - (x + 4) = 18
Set this equation up vertically it might be easier:
4x + 1
-1x - 4
-------
3x + -3 ... REMEMBER TO SUBTRACT THE 4 FROM THE ONE, NOT ADD THEM
3x - 3 = 18
Add 3 to each side:
3x - 3 + 3 = 18 + 3
3x = 21
Divide both sides by 3:
3x/3 = 21/3
x+=+7
Check: (4(7) + 1) - (7+4) = 18
(28 +1) - (11) = 18
29 - 11 = 18
18 = 18


Solved By: NtNk