Question

Solve the equation for x.
12x + 20 = 5x - 10 - 3x

Answer 1

x = -3

Explanation:

seperate this equation into different sides where like terms are on each side.

12x + 20 = 5x - 10 - 3x

12x - 5x + 3x = -10 - 20

simplify

10x = - 30

`x = - 3`

Answer 2

x = -3

General Formulas and Concepts:

Pre-Algebra

• Order of Operations: BPEMDAS
• Equality Properties

Explanation:

Step 1: Define equation

12x + 20 = 5x - 10 - 3x

Step 2: Solve for x

1. Combine like terms: 12x + 20 = 2x - 10
2. Subtract 2x on both sides: 10x + 20 = -10
3. Subtract 20 on both sides: 10x = -30
4. Divide 10 on both sides: x = -3

Step 3: Check

Plug in x into the original equation to verify it is a solution.

1. Substitute in x: 12(-3) + 20 = 5(-3) - 10 - 3(-3)
2. Multiply: -36 + 20 = -15 - 10 + 9
3. Add: -16 = -15 - 1
4. Subtract: -16 = -16

Here we see that -16 does indeed equal -16.

∴ x = -3 is a solution of the equation.