How do you solve the equation for x: #5x + 2y = 15#?

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Answer 1 · 2015-09-01T22:11:14

#x = 3 - (2y)/5#

To solve this equation for #x#, you need to isolate it on one side of the equation.

Start by adding #-2y# to both sides of the equation

#5x + color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2y))) - color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2y))) = 15 - 2y#

#5x = 15 - 2y#

Now divide both sides of the equation by #5#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(5)))x)/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(5))) = (15 - 2y)/5#

#x = (15 - 2y)/5#

You can simplify this to get

#x = 15/5 - (2y)/5 = color(green)(3 - (2y)/5)#