Solve Equations Using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality: example 8.6

Solve: $3 x - 7 - 2 x - 4 = 1 .$

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.

Your turn

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

Solve: $8 y - 4 - 7 y - 7 = 4 .$

How did it go?


Rearrange the terms, using the Commutative Property of Addition.
Combine like terms.
Add 11 to both sides to isolate $x$ .
Simplify.
Check. Substitute $x = 12$ into the original equation.


Rearrange the terms, using the Commutative Property of Addition.
Combine like terms.
Add 11 to both sides to isolate $x$ .
Simplify.
Check. Substitute $x = 12$ into the original equation.