Solving Multi Step Equations

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brazil820
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Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2016 6:01 am
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Solving Multi Step Equations

Hi everyone, we are needing help on a multi-step equation.

In this problem:

we are not understanding how they are getting the -4x on the left side.

nona.m.nona
Posts: 288
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:07 pm
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Re: Solving Multi Step Equations

Hi everyone, we are needing help on [solving] a multi-step equation.

$\mbox{Solve }\, -x\, -\, 2\,=\, 3x\, +\, 5$

In this [worked solution]:

Code: Select all

``` -x - 2 = 3x + 5 -1x - 2 = 3x + 5 -3x -3x ---------------- -4x - 2 = 0x + 5 <=== -4x - 2 = 5 -4x - 2 = 5 + 2 = +2 ------------ -4x + 0 = 7 -4x = 7 -4x = 7 --- --- -4 -4 x = 7/(-4) = -7/4```
we are not understanding how they are getting the -4x on the left side.
What did you obtain when you added the -1x and the -3x? Kindly please include all of your steps, so that error-correction may be attempted. Thank you.

brazil820
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2016 6:01 am
Contact:

Re: Solving Multi Step Equations

Hi, thank you for your response. We are not understanding how in your example of the problem, there is a -1x. In the original problem that I posted, there is no -1x. Please explain how you got this number. Thank you.

nona.m.nona
Posts: 288
Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:07 pm
Contact:

Re: Solving Multi Step Equations

Hi, thank you for your response. We are not understanding how in your example of the problem, there is a -1x. In the original problem that I posted, there is no -1x. Please explain how you got this number. Thank you.
How many x's are in "x"? Is this not one "x"? While the "1" is "understood" and not (usually) included, "1x" is equivalent to "x".