Solve for X: Finding the Number That Gives 41 When Subtracting 5

Linear Equations with Addition Method

Which number gives us 41 when we subtract 5 from it?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find the unknown
00:03 Isolate the unknown
00:18 Calculate each operation separately
00:30 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Which number gives us 41 when we subtract 5 from it?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Set up the equation based on the problem statement.
  • Step 2: Solve the equation algebraically for x x .
  • Step 3: Verify the solution using the context of the problem.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Based on the problem, we have the equation:
x5=41 x - 5 = 41 Step 2: To solve for x x , add 5 to both sides of the equation to get:
x5+5=41+5 x - 5 + 5 = 41 + 5
Which simplifies to:
x=46 x = 46 Step 3: To verify, substitute 46 back into the context of the problem:
Subtract 5 from 46, which gives us:
465=41 46 - 5 = 41
This confirms our solution is consistent with the problem statement.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=46 x = 46 .

3

Final Answer

46 46

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Setup: Translate word problems into algebraic equations correctly
  • Technique: Add 5 to both sides: x - 5 + 5 = 41 + 5
  • Check: Substitute back into original problem: 46 - 5 = 41 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting instead of adding to isolate the variable
    Don't subtract 5 from 41 to get x = 36! This gives the wrong operation and breaks the equation balance. Always use the opposite operation - if the equation shows x - 5, add 5 to both sides to isolate x.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I add 5 when the problem says subtract 5?

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Great question! You add 5 because you need to undo the subtraction. Think of it like this: if x - 5 = 41, then x = 41 + 5. Addition and subtraction are opposite operations.

How do I know which operation to use?

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Look at what's being done to the variable. If it's x - 5, add 5 to both sides. If it's x + 5, subtract 5 from both sides. Always use the opposite operation!

Can I solve this problem without algebra?

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Yes! You can think: "What number minus 5 equals 41?" Then work backwards: 41 + 5 = 46. Both methods give the same answer!

What if I get confused about which side to work with?

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Remember: whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other side. This keeps the equation balanced like a scale. If you add 5 to the left side, add 5 to the right side too.

How can I check if my answer is definitely correct?

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Substitute your answer back into the original word problem. Ask yourself: "Does 46 - 5 really equal 41?" If yes, you're right! If no, check your work.

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