If the first step in the solution of the equation #-9 +x= 5x- 7# is "subtract x," then what should the next step be?

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Answer 1 · 2018-02-08T11:34:57

#x = -(1/2)#

#-9 +x = 5x - 7#

Subtract x from both sides.

#-9 cancel(+ x) cancel(- x) = 5x -7 - x#

#-9 = cancel(5)^4x cancel(- x) - 7 = 4x#

Add +7 to both sides

#-cancel(9)^2 cancel(+ 7) = 4x cancel(-7) cancel(+7)#

#-2 = 4x#

Divide both sides by 4

#-cancel(2)^1 / cancel(4)^2 = (cancel(4)x) / cancel4#

#x = -(1/2)#