Hey there!
ORIGINAL EQUATION
x + x + x = 56
CONVERT/COMBINE the LIKE TERMS
1x + 1x + 1x = 56
2x + 1x = 56
NEW EQUATION
3x = 56
DIVIDE 3 to BOTH SIDES
3x/3 = 56/3
SIMPLIFY IT by canceling out 3/3 because it give you 1 & KEEP 56/3 because help solve for the x-value (it also give you the x-value result)
x = 56/3
x = 18.666667
x = 18 2/3
EITHER OF THOSE SHOULD WORK BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL EQUIVALENT TO EACH OTHER
Good luck on your assignment & enjoy your day!
~Amphitrite1040:)