To solve the equation 18-3x=5x+2 for x, combine like terms, isolate the term with x, and then divide by the coefficient of x to find the value of x as 2.
To solve the equation 18-3x=5x+2 for x, we need to isolate the variable x by performing the same operation on both sides of the equation in order to maintain equality. Here's how:
Combine like terms. Add 3x to both sides: 18-3x+3x=5x+3x+2. This simplifies to 18=8x+2.
Isolate the term with x. Subtract 2 from both sides: 18-2=8x+2-2. This simplifies to 16=8x.
Divide by the coefficient of x. Divide both sides by 8: 16/8=8x/8. This simplifies to 2=x.
Therefore, the solution to the equation is x = 2.