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To solve the equation , we begin by combining the terms that involve and the constant terms:
Step 1: Combine like terms.
The terms involving are and . Adding these yields:
The constant terms are and . Combining these gives:
Thus, the equation becomes:
Step 2: Solve for .
To isolate , add 11 to both sides of the equation:
Now, divide both sides by 11:
Therefore, the solution to the equation is .
\( \frac{-y}{5}=-25 \)
Like terms have the same variable raised to the same power. In this problem, and are like terms because both have x to the first power. Constants like 4 and -15 are also like terms.
You need to simplify first to see the equation clearly! With multiple x terms scattered around, you might miss some or make calculation errors. Combining like terms gives you one clean equation to solve.
Be extra careful with positive and negative signs! Remember that , not +11. Write each step clearly: .
Count your terms! The original equation has 4 terms, and after combining you should have 2 terms: one x-term and one constant. If you still have more than 2 terms, keep combining!
Not really - combining like terms is the fastest way! Trying shortcuts usually leads to mistakes. This systematic approach works for any linear equation, no matter how complex.
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