Question

Given the equation 5x - 7 = 18. What is

the first step in solving this equation?
Adding 7 to both sides.
Subtracting 5 from both sides.
Subtracting 7 from both sides.
Dividing by 5 on both sides.

Answer 1

Answer: Adding 7 to both sides.

Explanation:

You always do the "inverse" of the number without the variable next to it and either "add" or "subtract" it to the other side.

Ex: 7x - 3 = 18

In this case, you would add the 3 to the other side.

7x - 3 = 18

+ 3 +3

7x = 21

7x 7x

x = 3

Answer 2

The answer is adding 7 to both sides.

Explanation:

5x-7=18

+7 +7

5x= 25

x=5