How do I solve 2x - 2 = 4?

Question

The question is: how do I solve

2x - 2 = 4

As your tutor, I would be interested in teaching you a standard technique like you may have learned in class. But I also want to teach you a deeper understanding.

First, I would ask if you remember anything from class about this kind of equation. I might have you look at each part of the equation so it jogs your memory. If you don't clearly remember what to do, I would explain the standard technique.

This is a two-step equation, so the standard technique is this:

1. Add or subtract something to each side to isolate the 'x' term
2. Multiply or divide each side by something so that you have 'x' by itself

In step 1, what do you choose to add or subtract? You may have memorized a pattern and already know that you want to add "2" so that the "-2" goes away. That's great! But I also want to help you understand the reason for the pattern.

The reason has to do with the fact that we want to get to "x" by itself on one side. Let's look at how adding "2" to each side gives this equation:

2x = 6

Why is this progress? Note there are fewer terms on the "x" side. The original equation had two terms; now we have one. One term is better than two terms if we are trying to isolate "x". That's the principle.

We'll apply the same idea to the next step: divide each side by 2. That removes the 2 from the left side, and so 'x' is by itself.

x = 3.

The takeaway is that you can use principles to guide yourself toward the solution. You don't have to memorize every equation.

1. When 'x' is only on one side, you're getting closer.
2. When 'x' is only in one term, you're getting closer.

Later, when you're given more complex problems, you can apply these same principles. You will really understand math.

Answer 1

2x-2=6

All we need to do is to Isolate the x on one side. This is an equation in one variable

So first cancel -2 with the addition of +2 on both sides.

2x-2+2 =6+2

2x =8

Now divide both sides by 2.

x=4

Answer 2

2x - 2 = 4

This is a one-variable equation, and to solve it you should simply apply the properties of equality. Worded plainly, what operation you apply to one side of the equation, you should also apply to the other to combine like terms with constants (numbers) on one side and variables with their coefficients on the other.

For the sake of simplicity, lets put all constants on the right side of the equal sign, and keep all variables on the left.

Variables: +2x

Constants: -2, 4

To bring the value of -2 to the other side, we would add +2 to both sides of the equation

2x - 2 +2 = 4 +2

this would produce...

2x = 6

To isolate the remaining variable, 2x, to only 1x (or simply x) by dividing the coefficient of the variable and the constant on the other side of the equal sign by the coefficient...or 2x/2 = 6/2

After simplification, it leaves you with x = 3.

Answer 3

The question is: how do I solve

2x - 2 = 4

As your tutor, I would be interested in teaching you a standard technique like you may have learned in class. But I also want to teach you a deeper understanding.

First, I would ask if you remember anything from class about this kind of equation. I might have you look at each part of the equation so it jogs your memory. If you don't clearly remember what to do, I would explain the standard technique.

This is a two-step equation, so the standard technique is this:

1. Add or subtract something to each side to isolate the 'x' term
2. Multiply or divide each side by something so that you have 'x' by itself

In step 1, what do you choose to add or subtract? You may have memorized a pattern and already know that you want to add "2" so that the "-2" goes away. That's great! But I also want to help you understand the reason for the pattern.



The reason has to do with the fact that we want to get to "x" by itself on one side. Let's look at how adding "2" to each side gives this equation:

2x = 6

Why is this progress? Note there are fewer terms on the "x" side. The original equation had two terms; now we have one. One term is better than two terms if we are trying to isolate "x". That's the principle.

We'll apply the same idea to the next step: divide each side by 2. That removes the 2 from the left side, and so 'x' is by itself.

x = 3.

The takeaway is that you can use principles to guide yourself toward the solution. You don't have to memorize every equation.

1. When 'x' is only on one side, you're getting closer.
2. When 'x' is only in one term, you're getting closer.

Later, when you're given more complex problems, you can apply these same principles. You will really understand math.