Question

5(x-1)+3=7(x+1)
What is the solution?

Answer 1

x = -4.5

Explanation:

1. Distribute.

5x - 5 + 3 = 7x + 7

2. Combine like terms:

5x - 2 = 7x + 7

3. Subtract 5x from both sides.

-2 = 2x + 7.

4. Subtract 7 from both sides.

2x = -9.

5. Divide all sides by 2.

x = -4.5

Answer 2

Expand

5x - 5 + 3 = 7x + 7

Simplify 5x - 5 + 3 to 5x - 2

5x - 2 = 7x + 7

Subtract 5x from both sides

-2 = 7x + 7 - 5x

Simplify 7x + 7 - 5x to 2x + 7

-2 = 2x + 7

Subtract 7 from both sides

-2 - 7 = 2x

Simplify -2 - 7 to -9

-9 = 2x

Divide both sides by 2

-9/2 = x

Switch sides

x = -9/2

- (Decimal Form: -4.5)