How do you solve #4x-2 = x+1#?

1 Answer
Sep 20, 2017

#x = 1#

Explanation:

To solve an equation with the variable on two sides, first try to manipulate the equation so the variable is only on one side.

For example, we can subtract #x# from both sides.

#4x-2-x = x-x+1# (combine like terms. #x# on the right side cancels out.)
#3x-2 = 1# (add #2# on both sides to isolate the variable)
#3x = 3# (divide by 3)
#x = 1#

Our final answer is #x = 1#

(To check that the answer is right, plug it in.
#4(1)-2 = (1)+1#
#4-2 = 2#
#2 = 2# (if the equation is true, the final answer is correct.))