To solve using inverse operations, we can solve this out with steps!
1. Add 3
Since adding 3 is the inverse of subtracting 3, we can add 3 to both sides:
5x - 3 + 3 = 12 + 3
5x = 15
2. The inverse of multiplication is division, so let’s divide both sides by the value of the coefficient (5):
5 / 5 = 1
15 / 5 = 3
x = 3
Let’s plug it in for assurance:
(5 • 3) - 3 = 12
15 - 3 = 12
Since this equation is true, we have found our answer.
x = 3