how do I get bolth "x's" one one side

Question

during a equation 

 

Answer 1

Well it would help if you provided an example, but I'll make one.  Suppose you have an equation like:

 

2x = -3x +5

 

You want to "solve" for x, which means you need to get the x all by itself on one side of the equation.  Here's how you do it.

 

First, add 3x to both sides of the equation.  We need to add it to both sides to keep everything equal.

 

2x + 3x = -3x + 3x + 5

 

Now combine like terms:

 

(2x + 3x) = (-3x + 3x) + 5

 

5x = 5                 [because (2x+3x)=5x, and (-3x+3x)=0]

 

To get rid of the coefficient 5 in front of the x, divide both sides by 5:

 

5x/5 = 5/5

 

x = 1

Answer 2

Squeek,

 

Please post an example of the equation or the exact problem you are asking about.

 

If it is easy enough for me to answer I will help you, otherwise one of the super smart math guru's out there will answer it in no time, I'm sure!

 

Best Regards,

 

Dominic J. :D