General Equation - Part II
Objective A: to solve unknown number (x) from equation of
the form ax + b = cx + d. Note: In this form, a, b, c, and d
represent known numbers.
Steps to solve for x in the equation 2x +3 = 5x –9
First step: Removing 5x to left hand side by subtracting
5x from each side of the equation because your ultimate
goal is to get an answer for x (ultimate form of
solution is variable x = one specific number).
Ex: 2x +3 –5x = 5x – 9 –5x
Second step: simplifying equation in first step. You get:
-3x + 3 = -9
Third step: Isolating the variable term by subtracting 3
from each side of the equation. You get:
-3x + 3 –3 = -9 –3
Fourth step: Simplifying the equation in the third step.
You get:
-3x = -12
Fifth step: As you have seen in fourth step, you need to
end with x rather than – 3x (note: 1x = x). To do this
divide the coefficient of x (in this example, –3) from each
side of equation:
Math0301
Student Learning Assistance Center - San Antonio College
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