Question

How do you solve `2/7x-3=-8`?

Answer 1

`x=-35/2`

Explanation:

First note that `2/7x=(2x)/7`

To eliminate the fraction, multiply ALL terms on both sides of the equation by 7, the denominator of the fraction.

`(cancel(7)^1xx(2x)/cancel(7)^1)-(7xx3)=(7xx-8)`

`rArr2x-21=-56`

add 21 to both sides.

`2xcancel(-21)cancel(+21)=-56+21`

`rArr2x=-35`

To solve for x, divide both sides by 2

`(cancel(2) x)/cancel(2)=(-35)/2`

`rArrx=-35/2`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

Substitute this value of x into the left side of the equation and if it equals the right side then it is the solution.

`x=-35/2to(cancel(2)^1/cancel(7)^1xx-cancel(35)^5/cancel(2)^1)-3`

`=-5-3=-8=" right side"`

`rArrx=-35/2" is the solution"`