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Solve each problem step by step so I can understand... I forgot how to do this. ;-;

x/-2 = 3:

-9x = -9:

x - (-5) = -4:

-5x= 25:

x - (-2) = 10

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

For each of them, you would need to isolate the variable.

Explanation:

Okay so for the first one, you would need to isolate the x.

x/-2 = 3

Since the "/" represents division, you need to do the inverse of dividing which is multiplication. You would need to multiply on both sides of the equation.

x = 3 x -2

x = -6

And there you have it, the answer for the first problem!

You again, isolate the x for the second equation as well.

-9x = -9

Since the x is directly next to the 9, indicating that it is multiplication. Do the inverse of multiplication which is division. Divide by -9 on both sides.

x=-9

Since -9/-9 cancels each other out, that leaves x by itself.

x = -9/-9

x = 1

You only end up cancelling out the number next to the variable, not the one on the other side. (if you are wondering why I didn't cross it out)

As for the third one, you can carry the -5 over to the -4, but since the inverse of -5 is +5, you add 5 to -4.

x = 1

As easy as that! You don't do the same as the two questions before because the number isn't right next to the variable.

For the fourth one, you isolate the x once more. You do the inverse of multiplication which is again, division. And again, the -5/-5 cancel out!

x = -5/25

x = -0.2

And finally, the last one!

You repeat the same steps as the third one. Add 2 on each side and cancel out 2 + 2 on the x's side.

x = 10 +2

x = 12

And that's all your answers. Hope you understood :)

User J Brand
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