<PRE><B>Question 618844</B>
10x + 8 - 5 = 9x - 3

Combine like terms:

8 - 5 = 3

10x + 3 = 9x - 3

Subtract 9x from each side of the equation.

10x + 3 - 9x = 9x - 3 - 9x

Combine like terms:

10x - 9x = 1x

9x - 9x = 0

1x + 3 = -3

Subtract 3 from each side of the equation.

1x + 3 - 3 = -3 - 3

Combine like terms:

3 - 3 = 0

-3 - 3 = -6

1x = -6 or

x = -6</PRE>