Question

How do you solve `2x -4 = 5x +17`?

Answer 1

`x=-7`

Explanation:

Begin by adding `4` and subtracting `5x` to both sides:

`2xcancel(-4color(red)(+4))color(blue)(-5x)=cancel(5xcolor(blue)(-5x))+17color(red)(+4)`

`2x-5x=17+4`

`-3x=21`

Divide `-3` from both sides

`cancel(-3)/cancel(color(red)(-3))x=21/color(red)(-3)`

`x=-7`

Answer 2

`x= -7`

Explanation:

Collect like terms and bring `x` to one side. Take the `-4` to the other side so the sign changes. That means add `4` to `17`.

`2x-4=5x+17`

`2x=5x+17+4`

`2x=5x+21`

Now take `5x` to the other side with the other `x`.

`2x-5x=21`

`-3x=21`

`x= -7`

Answer 3

To solve this equation...

Explanation:

1. Isolate the variables
   `2x-5x=4+17`
2. Add
   `-3x=21`
3. Divide the terms on both sides by `-3`
   `x=-7`

SOLUTION:

`x=-7`

Answer 4

Transfer all the variables to one side and all the numbers to the other
`2x-5x=4+17`
Solve
`-3x=21`
Transfer `-3`
`x=21/(-3)`
`x=-7`