Solve for X in the Equation: -8x + x - 5 + 3x = 4 - 3 - 1 + 6x

Linear Equations with Variable Consolidation

Solve for X:

8x+x5+3x=431+6x -8x+x-5+3x=4-3-1+6x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:03 Collect terms
00:19 Arrange the equation so that only the unknown X is on one side
00:28 Collect terms
00:34 Isolate X
00:41 Factor 10 into 2 and 5
00:46 Simplify what we can
00:50 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:

8x+x5+3x=431+6x -8x+x-5+3x=4-3-1+6x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation 8x+x5+3x=431+6x -8x + x - 5 + 3x = 4 - 3 - 1 + 6x , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify each side by combining like terms.
  • Step 2: Rearrange the equation to isolate x x .
  • Step 3: Solve for x x .

Let's solve the problem step-by-step:

Step 1: Simplify each side.

On the left side, combine the like terms 8x+x+3x -8x + x + 3x :

8x+x+3x=8x+4x=4x -8x + x + 3x = -8x + 4x = -4x

Thus, the left side becomes:

4x5 -4x - 5

On the right side, compute the constant terms first:

431=0 4 - 3 - 1 = 0

Therefore, the right side simplifies to:

0+6x=6x 0 + 6x = 6x

Now the equation is:

4x5=6x -4x - 5 = 6x

Step 2: Move all terms involving x x to one side.

Add 4x 4x to both sides to move the variable terms together:

4x+4x5=6x+4x -4x + 4x - 5 = 6x + 4x

This simplifies to:

5=10x -5 = 10x

Step 3: Solve for x x .

Divide both sides by 10:

x=510 x = \frac{-5}{10}

Thus, simplifying the fraction, we have:

x=12 x = -\frac{1}{2}

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=12 x = -\frac{1}{2} , corresponding to choice 3.

3

Final Answer

12 -\frac{1}{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combining Terms: Group all x terms together before moving to opposite sides
  • Technique: -8x + x + 3x = -4x (combine coefficients: -8+1+3)
  • Check: Substitute x = -1/2: -4(-1/2) - 5 = 6(-1/2) gives -3 = -3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Moving terms without combining like terms first
    Don't move -8x, x, and 3x to the right side separately = creates messy equations with too many terms! This leads to calculation errors and wrong signs. Always combine like terms on each side first, then move variables.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( -16+a=-17 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I combine like terms before moving variables?

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Combining like terms simplifies the equation from the start! Instead of juggling multiple x terms, you work with just one coefficient on each side, making the algebra much cleaner.

How do I keep track of positive and negative signs?

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Write each step clearly and use parentheses when needed. For -8x + x + 3x, think: -8 + 1 + 3 = -4, so you get -4x.

What if I get a fraction as my answer?

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Fractions are common solutions! Just make sure to simplify to lowest terms. Here, 510=12 \frac{-5}{10} = -\frac{1}{2} by dividing both numerator and denominator by 5.

How do I verify my fractional answer?

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Substitute carefully! Replace every x with 12 -\frac{1}{2} and compute both sides. If they're equal, you're correct. Use a calculator if needed for fraction arithmetic.

Can I solve this equation differently?

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Yes! You could move all terms to one side first, but combining like terms early is usually faster and reduces errors. Always choose the method that feels most comfortable.

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