Question

Consider this equation: –2x – 4 + 5x = 8 Generate a plan to solve for the variable. Describe the steps that will be used.

Answer 1

Solve for the variable, so you need to isolate/get x by itself

-2x - 4 + 5x = 8 First I want to combine like terms (-2x and 5x)

-4 + 3x = 8 (Add 4 on both sides)

3x = 12 Then divide 3 on both sides to get x by itself

x = 4

Answer 2

move like terms together

Explanation:

-2x-4+5x = 8

-2x +5x =3x

8+4 =12

3x = 12

divide both sides by 3

x = 4