Solve for X: Finding X in -5x+20-3x=40+2-6x Linear Equation

Linear Equations with Negative Coefficients

Solve for X:

5x+203x=40+26x -5x+20-3x=40+2-6x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to isolate the unknown X
00:07 Collect like terms
00:23 Arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown X
00:40 Simplify what we can
00:56 Isolate the unknown X, and calculate
01:09 Simplify what we can
01:17 Continue to isolate the unknown X
01:29 Simplify what we can
01:32 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

Solve for X:

5x+203x=40+26x -5x+20-3x=40+2-6x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve for x x , let's follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Combine like terms on both sides of the equation.
  • Step 2: Isolate the x x terms on one side.
  • Step 3: Solve for x x .

Let's begin with the left side of the equation:
5x+203x -5x + 20 - 3x simplifies to 8x+20 -8x + 20 .

Next, the right side of the equation:
40+26x 40 + 2 - 6x simplifies to 426x 42 - 6x .

The equation now is:
8x+20=426x -8x + 20 = 42 - 6x .

Step 2: Move all terms containing x x to one side and constant terms to the other:

First, add 8x 8x to both sides to move the x x terms together:
8x+8x+20=42+2x -8x + 8x + 20 = 42 + 2x
which simplifies to 20=42+2x 20 = 42 + 2x .

Next, subtract 42 42 from both sides to get:
2042=2x 20 - 42 = 2x
which simplifies to 22=2x -22 = 2x .

Step 3: Solve for x x by dividing both sides by 2:
x=222=11 x = \frac{-22}{2} = -11 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=11 x = -11 .

3

Final Answer

11 -11

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combining Like Terms: Group all x terms and constant terms separately
  • Technique: Add 8x 8x to both sides: 20=42+2x 20 = 42 + 2x
  • Check: Substitute x=11 x = -11 back: 8(11)+20=108 -8(-11) + 20 = 108 and 426(11)=108 42 - 6(-11) = 108

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Sign errors when combining negative coefficients
    Don't combine -5x and -3x as -2x = wrong coefficient! This creates incorrect equations and wrong solutions. Always carefully add negative coefficients: -5x + (-3x) = -8x.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for X:

\( x - 3 + 5 = 8 - 2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I keep getting the wrong sign when combining terms?

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When you see 5x3x -5x - 3x , think of it as 5x+(3x) -5x + (-3x) . You're adding two negative values, so the result is more negative: 8x -8x .

How do I move x terms to one side without making mistakes?

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Add the opposite of what you want to eliminate. To remove 6x -6x from the right side, add +6x +6x to both sides. This keeps the equation balanced!

What if I get confused about which operation to do first?

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Always combine like terms first before moving terms across the equals sign. This simplifies the equation and reduces chances for errors.

How can I check if my negative answer is correct?

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Substitute your negative value back into the original equation. Remember: negative times negative equals positive! If both sides match, you're right.

Is there a pattern for solving these multi-step equations?

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  • Step 1: Combine like terms on each side
  • Step 2: Move all x terms to one side
  • Step 3: Move all constants to the other side
  • Step 4: Divide by the coefficient of x

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