document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=263213>Question 263213</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> I am taking my first algebra class.  I am having problems trying to use the associative property.  Can you explain this problem and advise how to work? I am suppose to solve and check. \r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "5 + 4x - 7 = 4x - 2 - x <BR>\n" );
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document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #193974 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=unlockmath><B>unlockmath(1688)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-12.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=unlockmath><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=unlockmath><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=193974\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Hello, <BR>\n" );
document.write( "Here's a hint: you want to get x on one side of the \"=\" sign. Imagine this equation like a seesaw. Whatever we do on one side we need to do the same on the other side of the \"=\".<BR>\n" );
document.write( "5 + 4x - 7 = 4x - 2 - x  So first, let's combine like terms like this:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "4x-2=3x-2 Now let's add 2 to both sides to get:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "4x=3x Good so far? OK now subtract 3x from both sides:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "x=0<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Now to check this out plug in 0 with each of the \"x\" and see if it works. <BR>\n" );
document.write( "RJ <BR>\n" );
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