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Example 2.27 from Elementary Algebra, 2.3 Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides
Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides: example 2.27
Solve:
Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.
Solution
In this equation, the variable is found only on the left side. It makes sense to call the left side the “variable” side. Therefore, the right side will be the “constant” side. We will write the labels above the equation to help us remember what goes where.
Since the left side is the “”, or variable side, the 8 is out of place. We must “undo” adding 8 by subtracting 8, and to keep the equality we must subtract 8 from both sides.
Use the Subtraction Property of Equality. Simplify. Now all the variables are on the left and the constant on the right.
The equation looks like those you learned to solve earlier.Use the Division Property of Equality. Simplify. Check: Let .
Your turn
The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.
Solve:
How did it go?