As we can see in the model we have:
On the left of the equation:
• Ten circles of value 1
,
• Three triangles of value - x
On the right of the equation:
• Eight circles of value -1
,
• Five triangles of value x
For solve to x, we can write the equation, this way:
10 + (-3x) = -8 + 5x
10 - 3x = - 8 + 5x
Like terms:
-3x - 5x = - 8 - 10
-8x = -18
Dividing by -8 at both sides:
-8x/-8 = -18/-8
x = 2.25
Let's prove our answer, this way:
10 - 3 * 2.25 = - 8 + 5 * 2.25
10 - 6.75 = -8 + 11.25
3.25 = 3.25
Our value of x = 2.25 is correct