Answer:
You do not add unlike terms. Only add like terms using the collect like terms method.
Explanation:
3x + 1 + 2x = 2 + 4x
Step 1 - Collect like terms:
(3x + 2x) + 1 = 2 + 4x
5x + 1 = 2 + 4x
Step 2 - Bring 5x to 4x side and 2 to the 1 side:
1 = 2 + 4x -5x
1 - 2 = 4x - 5x
Step 3 - Collect like terms again:
-1 = -1x
Step 4 - Divide -1 by -1 leaving the x alone on it's side:
-1/-1 = x
1 = x
Therefore, x = 1
Let's check:
3x + 1 +2x = 2 + 4x
3(1) + 1 + 2(1) = 2 + 4(1)
3 + 1 + 2 = 2 + 4
6 = 6
X equal to 1 is correct because it balances both sides.