Question

Given 2x - 3 = 7, what is the value of x?

Answer 1

2x-3=7 /×3

2x=3+7

2x=10 /÷2

x=5

Answer 2

Explanation:

2x - 3 = 7 Add 3 to both sides

2x - 3+3 = 7 + 3 Combine

2x = 10 Divide by 2

2x/2 = 10/2 Combine

x = 5

These types of equations all follow the same pattern. The look like

ax + b = c You have to isolate the x so add b if b is minus or you subtract b if b is plus. Notice that b was minus in your question. So Add

Now you you have

ax = c - b That always happens. The x is isolated if you deal with b first. Now all you need to do is divide by a.

x = (c - b)/a

Try a couple

3x -4 = 5 The answer is 3

5x + 2 = 27 the answer is 5