Solve the Linear Equation: Finding X in x + 3 - 8x = 4 + 3 - x

Linear Equations with Fractional Solutions

Find the value of the parameter X

x+38x=4+3x x+3-8x=4+3-x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to isolate the unknown X
00:08 Let's arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown X
00:27 Let's simplify what we can
01:01 Let's collect like terms
01:07 Let's isolate the unknown X and calculate
01:15 Let's simplify what we can
01:23 Let's factor 4 into 2 and 2, and 6 into 2 and 3
01:33 Let's simplify what we can
01:37 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

Find the value of the parameter X

x+38x=4+3x x+3-8x=4+3-x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow the procedure of simplifying and solving for x x :

  • Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation.
  • Step 2: Combine like terms and move them to opposite sides to isolate x x .
  • Step 3: Solve for x x by performing necessary arithmetic operations.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation.
The given equation is x+38x=4+3x x + 3 - 8x = 4 + 3 - x .
Combine like terms on each side:
Left side: x8x+3=7x+3 x - 8x + 3 = -7x + 3
Right side: 4x+3=7x 4 - x + 3 = 7 - x
So the equation becomes: 7x+3=7x -7x + 3 = 7 - x .

Step 2: Get all terms involving x x on one side of the equation.
Add x x to both sides to combine the x x terms:
7x+x+3=7x+x -7x + x + 3 = 7 - x + x
Simplifies to: 6x+3=7 -6x + 3 = 7

Step 3: Solve for x x .
Subtract 3 from both sides to isolate terms involving x x : 6x+33=73 -6x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3 6x=4 -6x = 4
Now, divide both sides by 6-6 to solve for x x : x=46=23 x = \frac{4}{-6} = -\frac{2}{3}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=23 x = -\frac{2}{3} .

3

Final Answer

23 -\frac{2}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combining Terms: Group like terms before moving variables to one side
  • Technique: Combine -7x + x = -6x, then isolate variable terms
  • Check: Substitute x=23 x = -\frac{2}{3} back into original equation ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to combine like terms on each side first
    Don't move variables to opposite sides before simplifying each side = messy algebra with more chances for errors! This creates unnecessary complexity and sign mistakes. Always combine like terms on each side first, then isolate the variable.

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 get a negative fraction as my answer?

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Negative fractional answers are completely normal! In this problem, we divided 4 by -6, which gives us 23 -\frac{2}{3} . Always simplify your fraction to lowest terms.

Should I combine like terms first or move variables first?

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Always combine like terms first! Simplify each side of the equation before moving anything across the equals sign. This prevents confusion and reduces errors.

How do I check if my fractional answer is correct?

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Substitute x=23 x = -\frac{2}{3} back into the original equation. Calculate each side carefully: Left side gives 253 \frac{25}{3} , right side also gives 253 \frac{25}{3}

What if I make a sign error when combining terms?

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Sign errors are common! Remember: x - 8x = -7x (not +7x). When subtracting a larger coefficient from a smaller one, the result is negative. Double-check your signs at each step.

Can I solve this equation differently?

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Yes! You could move all terms with x to one side first, but combining like terms first is usually easier and less error-prone. Choose the method that feels most comfortable to you.

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