Answer:
x = 4
Explanation:
"Sum" means add. "Less than" means subtract. "The same" means equal. Set the equation:
x + 3 = 3x - 5
Isolate the variable, x. Note the equal sign, what you do to one side, you do to the other. Subtract 3x and 3 from both sides of the equation:
x (-3x) + 3 (-3) = 3x (-3x) - 5 (-3)
x - 3x = -5 - 3
Simplify. Combine like terms:
-2x = -8
Isolate the variable, divide -2 from both sides of the equation:
(-2x)/-2 = (-8)/-2
x = -8/-2 = 4
Check: Plug in 4 for x in the equation:
x + 3 = 3x - 5
4 + 3 = 3(4) - 5
7 = 12 - 5
7 = 7 (True).
x = 4 is your answer.
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