Question

In the solution of the equation 5 + 3x = -2x + 9, 2 x is added to the equation first. which of the following should be done next?

A . add -9
B . add -5
C . add -3x

Answer 1

Hi!

Let's do the first step (add 2x).

5 + 3x + 2x = -2x + 2x + 9

5 + 5x = 9

Our goal is to isolate x on one side, so the next step would be to subtract 5 (or add -5).

5 + -5 + 5x = 9 + -5

5x = 4

The answer is B. add -5

And if you want to finish solving, you would divide by 5 on both sides.

5x/5 = 4/5

x = 0.8

Hope this helps! :)

-Peredhel