Question 330787
3x=81


On the left side, you have '3 times x' and on the right side you just have 81. You want to isolate for x, or get x by itself on the left side.


You can do this by dividing both sides by 3:

3x/3 = 81/3


We know that 3/3=1, so now you are just left with:


1x = 81/3
x=27


so x=27.


In algebra, any operation you complete, you must do to the other side as well. The usual goal is to try to get the variable (the letter) by itself, and all the numbers on the other side.