SOLUTION: How do you solve for X? example: 17x – 42 = -39

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: How do you solve for X? example: 17x – 42 = -39      Log On


   

Question 531987: How do you solve for X? example: 17x – 42 = -39
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
we want to isolate x on one side by performing simple operations to both sides
17x - 42 = -39
add 42 to both sides
17x - 42 + 42 = -39 + 42
17x = +3
divide both sides by 17
17%2F17x = 3%2F17
x = 3%2F17
:
:
To check this in the original equation
17x - 42 = -39
replace x with 3/17
173%2F17 - 42 = -39
17's cancel, leaving
3 - 42 = -39
-39 = -39; equality, confirm our solution of x = 3/17