Solving Equations
To solve linear equations, we must perform inverse operations on both sides of the equal sign to cancel values out.
- If something is being added to x, subtract it from both sides.
- If something is being subtracted from x, add it on both sides.
- Same with multiplication and division. If x is being divided, multiply. If x is being multiplied, divide.
We perform inverse operations to combine like terms. This means to get x to one side and everything else on the other.
Solving the Questions
Question 1
Because 7 is being added to x, subtract it from both sides:
Because x is being multiplied by 5, divide both sides by 5:
Therefore.
.
Question 2
Here, we can group all the x values on the left side of the equation. Subtract 5x from both sides:
To isolate x, subtract 4 from both sides:
Divide both sides by 2:
Therefore,
.