when simplifying which number is tge variable?

Question

5- -2x = 6+x

Answer 1

Hi Lyric, the variable is the letter "x" in this example. The "x" is what you would solve for. I am going to rewrite your equation with only one minus sign between the 5 and the 2x.

 

5 - 2x = 6 + x

 

First add 2x to both sides of the equation giving:

 

5 - 2x + 2x = 6 + x + 2x

 

Combine like terms giving:

 

5 = 6 + 3x

 

Subtract 6 from both sides of the equation giving:

 

5 - 6 = 6 - 6 + 3x

 

Combine like terms again giving:

 

-1 = 3x

 

Divide both sides by 3 giving:

 

-1/3 = 3/3(x), remember 3/3 = 1, and the result is:

 

x = -1/3

 

Questions?