Solve for X in the Linear Equation: x - 7 = 14

Q: Why do I add 7 when the equation shows -7?

You need to isolate x by getting rid of the -7. Since -7 + 7 = 0, adding 7 to both sides cancels out the -7 on the left side, leaving just x!

Q: What if I accidentally subtract 7 from both sides?

You'll get $ x - 14 = 7 $, which means you'll need to add 14 to both sides next. It's not wrong, just takes extra steps. Always do the opposite of what you see!

Q: How do I remember which operation to use?

Think opposites! If you see +5, subtract 5. If you see -7, add 7. If you see ×3, divide by 3. The goal is always to undo what's being done to x.

Q: Can I check my answer a different way?

Yes! Besides substituting back, you can also think: "What number minus 7 equals 14?" Since 21 - 7 = 14, you know x = 21 is correct.

Linear Equations with Addition Property

Solve for X:

$x - 7 = 14$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

$x - 7 = 14$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation $x - 7 = 14$ , we need to isolate $x$ .

Step 1: Add 7 to both sides of the equation to cancel out the -7 on the left side.
$x - 7 + 7 = 14 + 7$
Step 2: Simplify both sides.
$x = 21$
Thus, the solution is $x = 21$ .

Final Answer

$21$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Addition Property: Add same value to both sides to maintain equality
Technique: Add 7 to both sides: x - 7 + 7 = 14 + 7
Check: Substitute x = 21: 21 - 7 = 14 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting 7 from both sides instead of adding
Don't subtract 7 from both sides when you see -7 in the equation = x - 14 = 7! This makes the problem harder by creating negative numbers. Always do the opposite operation: if you see -7, add +7 to both sides.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ x+7=14 $$

$x=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I add 7 when the equation shows -7?

You need to isolate x by getting rid of the -7. Since -7 + 7 = 0, adding 7 to both sides cancels out the -7 on the left side, leaving just x!

What if I accidentally subtract 7 from both sides?

You'll get $x - 14 = 7$ , which means you'll need to add 14 to both sides next. It's not wrong, just takes extra steps. Always do the opposite of what you see!

How do I remember which operation to use?

Think opposites! If you see +5, subtract 5. If you see -7, add 7. If you see ×3, divide by 3. The goal is always to undo what's being done to x.

Can I check my answer a different way?

Yes! Besides substituting back, you can also think: "What number minus 7 equals 14?" Since 21 - 7 = 14, you know x = 21 is correct.

What if my final answer is negative?

Negative answers are perfectly valid! Many equations have negative solutions. Just make sure to double-check by substituting your negative answer back into the original equation.

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