Solve for X in the Equation: 3-x+7=5 | Linear Equation Solution

Linear Equations with Negative Coefficients

Solve for X:

3x+7=5 3-x+7=5

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's solve the problem step by step.
00:08 First, collect all like terms together.
00:16 Next, isolate the unknown variable X on one side of the equation.
00:30 Now, reduce or simplify what we can.
00:40 Convert any negative numbers into positive numbers.
00:52 Remember, a negative times a negative is positive.
00:56 And there you have it! That's the solution to the problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

3x+7=5 3-x+7=5

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Simplify the given equation by combining like terms.
  • Step 2: Isolate the variable x x on one side of the equation.
  • Step 3: Solve the resulting simplified equation for x x .

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Simplify the given equation:

The original equation is: 3x+7=5 3 - x + 7 = 5 .

Combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

3+7=10 3 + 7 = 10 , so the equation becomes:

10x=5 10 - x = 5 .

Step 2: Isolate the variable x x :

Subtract 10 from both sides of the equation to move the constant term:

x=510 -x = 5 - 10 .

Simplify the right side:

x=5 -x = -5 .

Step 3: Solve for x x :

Multiply both sides of the equation by 1-1 to solve for x x :

x=5 x = 5 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=5 x = 5 .

3

Final Answer

5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Combine like terms first to simplify the equation
  • Technique: Subtract 10 from both sides: -x = -5
  • Check: Substitute x = 5: 3 - 5 + 7 = 5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to combine like terms before solving
    Don't jump straight to isolating x without combining 3 + 7 = 10 first! This leads to messy algebra with multiple unnecessary steps. Always combine like terms on each side before moving variables or constants.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the equation

\( 5x-15=30 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I combine 3 and 7 first instead of moving x right away?

+

Combining like terms first makes the equation simpler! Instead of working with 3 - x + 7 = 5, you get the cleaner 10 - x = 5, which is much easier to solve.

What do I do when I get -x = -5?

+

When you have negative x, multiply both sides by -1 to make x positive. So -x = -5 becomes x = 5. Remember: multiplying by -1 flips the signs on both sides!

How can I check if x = 5 is really correct?

+

Substitute x = 5 back into the original equation: 3 - 5 + 7 = 5. Calculate step by step: 3 - 5 = -2, then -2 + 7 = 5. Since 5 = 5, your answer is correct!

Why don't I add x to both sides instead of subtracting 10?

+

Both methods work! You could add x to get 10 = 5 + x, then subtract 5. But subtracting 10 from both sides is often more direct when you have a negative x term.

What if I accidentally wrote 10 + x = 5 instead of 10 - x = 5?

+

Be careful with signs! The original equation has -x, not +x. When combining 3 - x + 7, you get 3 + 7 - x = 10 - x. Always double-check your signs when combining terms.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Linear Equations (One Variable) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations