Solve Linear Equation: 3+4x-2+4x=17 with Like Terms

Combining Like Terms with Order of Operations

3+4x21+4x=17 3+4x-2\cdot1+4x=17

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Let's solve each multiplication separately
00:10 Collect like terms
00:19 We want to isolate the unknown X
00:26 Let's arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown X
00:35 Let's isolate the unknown X and calculate
00:44 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

3+4x21+4x=17 3+4x-2\cdot1+4x=17

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Simplify the equation by combining like terms.
  • Isolate x x on one side of the equation.
  • Solve for x x .

Now, let's work through each step:
First, simplify the expression on the left side of the equation:

3+4x21+4x=17 3 + 4x - 2 \cdot 1 + 4x = 17

Calculate 21 2 \cdot 1 , which is 2 2 . Then, replace that in the equation:

3+4x2+4x=17 3 + 4x - 2 + 4x = 17

Next, combine the constant terms 3 3 and 2-2:

(32)+4x+4x=17 (3 - 2) + 4x + 4x = 17

This simplifies to:

1+4x+4x=17 1 + 4x + 4x = 17

Now, combine the x x -terms:

1+8x=17 1 + 8x = 17

Isolate the x x -term by subtracting 1 1 from both sides:

8x=171 8x = 17 - 1

This simplifies to:

8x=16 8x = 16

Finally, solve for x x by dividing both sides by 8 8 :

x=168 x = \frac{16}{8}

Which simplifies to:

x=2 x = 2

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=2 x = 2 .

3

Final Answer

x=2 x=2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order First: Simplify multiplication before combining like terms
  • Combine Terms: Group constants (3-2=1) and variables (4x+4x=8x)
  • Check Answer: Substitute x=2: 3+4(2)-2+4(2)=17 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Combining terms before simplifying multiplication
    Don't combine 4x-2·1+4x without calculating 2·1=2 first = wrong grouping! This skips the order of operations and leads to incorrect simplification. Always follow PEMDAS: complete multiplication (2·1) before combining like terms.

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 need to calculate 2·1 first instead of combining the x terms?

+

The order of operations (PEMDAS) requires you to do multiplication before addition and subtraction. You must calculate 21=2 2 \cdot 1 = 2 first, then combine like terms.

How do I know which terms are 'like terms'?

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Like terms have the same variable part. In this problem, 4x 4x and 4x 4x are like terms, while 3 3 and 2 -2 are constant terms that can be combined.

What if I get confused about which terms to combine?

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Try highlighting or circling similar terms with the same color. Use one color for constants (numbers without variables) and another for x x terms.

Can I solve this equation in a different order?

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You must follow the order of operations first, but after simplifying to 1+8x=17 1 + 8x = 17 , you could subtract 1 first or divide by 8 first - both work!

How do I check if x=2 is really correct?

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Substitute back into the original equation: 3+4(2)21+4(2)=3+82+8=17 3 + 4(2) - 2 \cdot 1 + 4(2) = 3 + 8 - 2 + 8 = 17

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