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 for X:

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

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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