Solve for x: 5x – 8 = x + 4

Question

i can't figure it out !!

Answer 1

     5x - 8 = x + 4

To solve for the unknown variable, you need to isolate it to one side of the equation. In this case, the unknown variable is x, so we first subtract x from both sides of the equation then add 8 to both sides of the equation combining like terms as you go:

     5x - 8 - x = x + 4 - x

     5x - x - 8 = x - x + 4

     4x - 8 = 4

     4x - 8 + 8 = 4 + 8

     4x = 12

To solve for x, divide both sides of the equation by the variables coefficient, which is 4 in this case:

     4x = 12

     4x/4 = 12/4

     x = 3