How do you solve #-5x + 23+ 7x + 23= 4#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-08-01T21:57:32

See a solution process below:

First, group and then combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

#-5x + 7x + 23 + 23 = 4#

#(-5 + 7)x + (23 + 23) = 4#

#2x + 46 = 4#

Next, subtract #color(red)(46)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#2x + 46 - color(red)(46) = 4 - color(red)(46)#

#2x + 0 = -42#

#2x = -42#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(2)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(2x)/color(red)(2) = -42/color(red)(2)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2)))x)/cancel(color(red)(2)) = -21#

#x = -21#