Question

If the first step in the equation 2x-8=5x+3 is "subtract 2x," then in the form of a paragraph explain in complete sentences the next steps necessary to completely solve the equation for x.

Answer 1

2x - 8 = 5x +3
First you will subtract the 2x and you will end up with -8 = 3x + 3. Then you will need to move the 3 over by subtraction. You will end up with -11 = 3x. Now you will divide each side by 3 to get the x by itself. You end up with -11/3 = x as your final answer.

Answer 2

Subtract 3 from both sides of equation -8 = 3x+3

Divide both sides of equation -11 = 3x

Explanation:

Given equation :
`2x-8=5x+3`

On subtracting 2x from both sides, we get

`2x-8-2x=5x+3-2x\\(2x-2x)-8=(5x-2x)+3\\0-8=3x+3\\-8=3x+3`

We need to find further steps to complete the equation for x .

On subtracting 3 from both sides of equation -8 = 3x+3, we get

`-8=3x+3\\-8-3=3x+3-3\\-11=3x+0\\-11=3x`

On dividing both sides by 3, we get

`-11=3x\\\\(-11)/(3)=(3x)/(3)\\\\(-11)/(3)=x`

So, further steps are:

Subtract 3 from both sides of equation -8 = 3x+3

Divide both sides of equation
`-11=3x` by 3