Question

How do you solve `5-2x=3-2x+2`?

Answer 1

`x` can have ANY value, and the equation will be true..

Explanation:

This is a special type of equation called an identity.

If you solve in the normal way we find the following:

`2x-2x = 3+2-5`

`0 =0`

Now, while this is a true statement, what does it tell us about `x`?

There is no `x` term left in the equation.!

It means that the equation will always be true, no matter what value of `x` you choose. `x` can have ANY value and the left and the right sides will always be equal.

Sometimes you will have a similar looking equation which leads toa FALSE statement without an `x`. Then the opposite is true, There is NO value of `x` which will make the equation true.