Solve the Linear Equation: Finding X in x + 7 = 12

Q: Why do I subtract 7 instead of adding it?

You need to undo the operation that's happening to x. Since 7 is being added to x, you subtract 7 to cancel it out and isolate x.

Q: What if I get confused about which operation to use?

Think of it as opposite operations! If you see addition, use subtraction. If you see subtraction, use addition. Always do the opposite to undo.

Q: Do I really need to show every step?

Yes! Writing $ x + 7 - 7 = 12 - 7 $ shows you're keeping the equation balanced. It helps prevent mistakes and shows your thinking clearly.

Q: How can I check if x = 5 is really correct?

Substitute 5 back into the original equation: $ 5 + 7 = 12 $. Since this gives us 12 = 12, which is true, our answer is correct!

Q: What if I accidentally add 7 to both sides instead?

You'd get $ x + 14 = 19 $, making the problem harder! Always think: "What operation will make x alone?" - that's your next step.

Linear Equations with Simple Subtraction

Solve for X:

$x + 7 = 12$

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Understand the problem

Solve for X:

$x + 7 = 12$

Step-by-step solution

To solve for $x$ , start by isolating $x$ on one side of the equation:
Subtract $7$ from both sides:
$x + 7 - 7 = 12 - 7$ simplifies to
$x = 5$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Isolation Rule: Get x alone by undoing operations on both sides
Technique: Subtract 7 from both sides: x + 7 - 7 = 12 - 7
Check: Substitute back: 5 + 7 = 12 confirms our answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Only subtracting from one side of the equation
Don't subtract 7 from just the left side = unbalanced equation! This breaks the equality and gives wrong answers like x = 12. Always perform the same operation on both sides to maintain balance.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ x+7=14 $$

$x=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I subtract 7 instead of adding it?

You need to undo the operation that's happening to x. Since 7 is being added to x, you subtract 7 to cancel it out and isolate x.

What if I get confused about which operation to use?

Think of it as opposite operations! If you see addition, use subtraction. If you see subtraction, use addition. Always do the opposite to undo.

Do I really need to show every step?

Yes! Writing $x + 7 - 7 = 12 - 7$ shows you're keeping the equation balanced. It helps prevent mistakes and shows your thinking clearly.

How can I check if x = 5 is really correct?

Substitute 5 back into the original equation: $5 + 7 = 12$ . Since this gives us 12 = 12, which is true, our answer is correct!

What if I accidentally add 7 to both sides instead?

You'd get $x + 14 = 19$ , making the problem harder! Always think: "What operation will make x alone?" - that's your next step.

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