Question 115548: what is the answer to 5x+2=x+7
Answer by bucky(2189)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! The general steps to solving an equation such as this are:
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First collect all the terms containing x on one side of the equation and all the constants on
the other side.
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Second combine terms to simplify the equation.
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Third divide both sides by the multiplier of x to solve for x
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Let's apply those steps.
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Start with the given equation:
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5x + 2 = x + 7
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Get rid of the +2 on the left side by subtracting 2 from both sides. When you do that subtraction
the equation becomes:
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5x + 2 - 2 = x + 7 - 2
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Next get rid of the x on the right side by subtracting x from both sides. This makes the
equation become:
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5x - x + 2 - 2 = x - x + 7 - 2
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Now we simplify the results. On the left side the 5x - x becomes 4x and the +2 - 2 cancel each
other out making the 2's disappear. This first simplification reduces the left side, making the
equation:
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4x = x - x + 7 -2
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On the right side combining x and -x results in the x's disappearing on the right side.
And combining +7 and -2 results in +5. So now the equation is reduced to:
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4x = 5
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Finally, solve for x by dividing both sides by 4 ... because the multiplier of x is 4. This
division makes the equation become:
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x = 5/4
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That's the answer to this problem ... x = 5/4.
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Hope this explanation helps you to understand the problem. When you get a little more practice
in working these problems, you will be able to do a lot of the detail in your head without
writing every step as was done above. That will make things a lot easier.
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