Solve the Linear Equation: Determine X from 1.5 - X = 2.8

Q: Should I add x or subtract x from both sides?

Always look at the sign in front of the variable. Since we have -x, we add x to both sides to eliminate it. If we had +x, we would subtract x from both sides.

Q: How do I check my answer with a negative number?

Substitute carefully! Remember that subtracting a negative becomes addition: $ 1.5 - (-1.3) = 1.5 + 1.3 = 2.8 $ ✓

Q: Can I solve this equation a different way?

Yes! You could subtract 1.5 from both sides first: $ -x = 2.8 - 1.5 = 1.3 $, then multiply by -1 to get $ x = -1.3 $. Both methods work!

Q: What if I forgot to change the sign when moving terms?

This is a very common mistake! Always remember: when you move a term to the other side, its sign changes. Moving -x gives +x, and moving +2.8 gives -2.8.

Linear Equations with Negative Solutions

Solve for X:

$1.5-x=\text{2}.8$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:06 Let's solve this expression step by step.

00:10 First, we need to isolate the unknown variable, X. Let's focus on that.

00:28 Now, we'll simplify or reduce. Take it one step at a time.

00:37 Next, change any negative terms into positive ones.

00:50 Remember, multiplying two negatives gives a positive.

00:54 And now, here is the solution! Well done!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve for X:

$1.5-x=\text{2}.8$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation $1.5 - x = 2.8$ , follow these steps:

Step 1: Add $x$ to both sides of the equation to get $1.5 = x + 2.8$ .
Step 2: Subtract $2.8$ from both sides to isolate $x$ : $1.5 - 2.8 = x$ .

Perform the subtraction: $1.5 - 2.8$ results in $-1.3$ .

Thus, $x = -1.3$ .

The solution to the problem is $\mathbf{x = -1.3}$ .

Final Answer

-1.3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Isolate variable by performing inverse operations on both sides
Technique: Add x first: 1.5 = x + 2.8, then subtract 2.8
Check: Substitute back: 1.5 - (-1.3) = 1.5 + 1.3 = 2.8 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting x from both sides instead of adding
Don't subtract x from both sides to get 1.5 - 2x = 2.8 - x! This creates a more complex equation with variables on both sides. Always add x to both sides first to eliminate the negative variable term.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ x+7=14 $$

$x=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is my answer negative when the original numbers are positive?

Negative answers are completely normal! When you subtract a larger number from a smaller number (like 1.5 - 2.8), you get a negative result. This means x must be negative to make the equation balance.

Should I add x or subtract x from both sides?

Always look at the sign in front of the variable. Since we have -x, we add x to both sides to eliminate it. If we had +x, we would subtract x from both sides.

How do I check my answer with a negative number?

Substitute carefully! Remember that subtracting a negative becomes addition: $1.5 - (-1.3) = 1.5 + 1.3 = 2.8$ ✓

Can I solve this equation a different way?

Yes! You could subtract 1.5 from both sides first: $-x = 2.8 - 1.5 = 1.3$ , then multiply by -1 to get $x = -1.3$ . Both methods work!

What if I forgot to change the sign when moving terms?

This is a very common mistake! Always remember: when you move a term to the other side, its sign changes. Moving -x gives +x, and moving +2.8 gives -2.8.

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Solve the Linear Equation: Determine X from 1.5 - X = 2.8

Linear Equations with Negative Solutions

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

Step-by-step video solution

Step-by-step written solution

Understand the problem

Step-by-step solution

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Common Mistakes

Practice Quiz

FAQ

Why is my answer negative when the original numbers are positive?

Should I add x or subtract x from both sides?

How do I check my answer with a negative number?

Can I solve this equation a different way?

What if I forgot to change the sign when moving terms?

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

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