Solve for X: Simplifying 54x - 36x + 34 = 39 + 5x - 18

Linear Equations with Multiple Variable Terms

Solve for X:

54x36x+34=39+5x18 54x-36x+34=39+5x-18

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:04 Collect terms
00:15 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
01:03 Isolate X
01:16 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:

54x36x+34=39+5x18 54x-36x+34=39+5x-18

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Simplify both sides of the given equation.
  • Step 2: Isolate the variable x x on one side of the equation.
  • Step 3: Solve for x x .

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation.

The original equation is 54x36x+34=39+5x18 54x - 36x + 34 = 39 + 5x - 18 .

On the left side, combine like terms: 54x36x=18x 54x - 36x = 18x .

So, the equation becomes 18x+34=39+5x18 18x + 34 = 39 + 5x - 18 .

Simplify the right side: 3918=21 39 - 18 = 21 .

This gives us 18x+34=21+5x 18x + 34 = 21 + 5x .

Step 2: Isolate the variable x x on one side.

Subtract 5x 5x from both sides to get all x x terms on one side:

18x5x+34=21 18x - 5x + 34 = 21 .

This simplifies to 13x+34=21 13x + 34 = 21 .

Subtract 34 from both sides to move constant terms to the other side:

13x=2134 13x = 21 - 34 .

This simplifies to 13x=13 13x = -13 .

Step 3: Solve for x x .

Divide both sides by 13 to solve for x x :

x=1313 x = \frac{-13}{13} .

This simplifies to x=1 x = -1 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=1 x = -1 .

3

Final Answer

1 -1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Simplification: Combine like terms first on both sides of equation
  • Technique: Subtract 5x from both sides: 18x - 5x = 13x
  • Check: Substitute x = -1: 18(-1) + 34 = 16 and 21 + 5(-1) = 16 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Moving variable terms incorrectly between sides
    Don't just move 5x to the left side without changing its sign = wrong equation! This creates 18x + 5x = 23x instead of 13x, giving x = -13/23. Always subtract the same term from both sides or change the sign when moving across the equals sign.

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 like terms before moving variables?

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Combining like terms first makes the equation simpler! In this problem, 54x - 36x = 18x and 39 - 18 = 21, so you work with fewer terms.

Which side should I move the variable terms to?

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Move variable terms to whichever side has more x terms. Here, the left side has 18x and right side has 5x, so move 5x to the left: 18x - 5x = 13x.

What if I get a negative answer?

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Negative answers are completely normal! Many equations have negative solutions. Just double-check by substituting back into the original equation.

Can I move constants first instead of variables?

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Yes, but it's usually easier to group variables first, then constants. This keeps your work organized and reduces chances of sign errors.

How do I avoid sign mistakes when moving terms?

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Use the subtraction method: subtract the same term from both sides instead of 'moving' terms. For example, subtract 5x from both sides rather than moving it across.

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