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what is the value of x in the following equation: 3x-15=4x+36
A.21
B.-51
C.-21
D.none of these

User PhongBM
by
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2 Answers

7 votes
Answer: [B]: - 51 .
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Step-by-step explanation:
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Given: 3x − 15 = 4x + 36 ; Solve for "x" .
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Let us subtract: "3x" from EACH side of the equation; AND
add: "15 to EACH side of the equation:
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→ 3x − 15 − 3x + 15 = 4x + 36 − 3x + 15 ;
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to get:
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→ 0 = x + 51 ;
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→ Subtract "51" from EACH side of the equation; to isolate "x" on one side of the equation; and to solve for "x" ;
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→ 0 − 51 = x + 51 − 51 ;
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→ - 51 = x ; ↔ x = - 51 ; which is: "Answer choice: [B]: -51".
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→ Now, let us check our answer, "x = -51 ; by plugging in "-51" for "x" in the original equation, and seeing in both sides of the equation hold true when x = - 51 ;
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→ Given: 3x − 15 = 4x + 36 ;

→ Substitute "- 51 for "x" ;

→ Start with the "left-hand side" of the equation:

→ 3x − 15 = (3*-51) − 15 = -153 − 15 = -168 ; when x = -51 ;

→ Then, let us examine the "right-hand side" of the equation:
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→ 4x + 36 ; Substitute "-51" for "x" ;

→ (4*-51) + 36 = -204 + 36 = -168

→ Does the "left hand side" of equation = the "right-hand side of the equation" when: x = -51???
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→ That is, when x = -51, does: - 168 =? -168 ?? Yes!
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User Skiplecariboo
by
7.8k points
4 votes
3x-15=4x+36
3x = 4x + 51
-x = 51
x = -51
User Ungeheuer
by
8.4k points