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Exercises Equations and inequalities

Example 2.31 from Elementary Algebra, 2.3 Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides

Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides: example 2.31

Solve: $12 x = − x + 26 .$

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
The only constant is on the right, so let the left side be the “variable” side.

Remove the $− x$ from the right side by adding $x$ to both sides.

Simplify.

All the $x$ ’s are on the left and the constants are on the right. Divide both sides by 13.

Simplify.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

Solve: $12 j = −4 j + 32 .$

How did it go?

PreviousSolve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides: example 2.30 Next Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides: example 2.33

From Elementary Algebra (1st edition) by OpenStax (Rice University), section 2.3, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Original at openstax.org. We split the solution into steps; the words, numbers and figures are the book's. OpenStax doesn't endorse this site.