How do you solve #5+ x + 7x = - 3#?

3 Answers
Apr 27, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

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

#5 + x + 7x = -3#

#5 + 1x + 7x = -3#

#5 + (1 + 7)x = -3#

#5 + 8x = -3#

Next, subtract #color(red)(5)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#5 - color(red)(5) + 8x = -3 - color(red)(5)#

#0 + 8x = -8#

#8x = -8#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(8)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(8x)/color(red)(8) = -8/color(red)(8)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(8)))x)/cancel(color(red)(8)) = -1#

#x = -1#

Apr 27, 2018

#x = -1#

Explanation:

Transposing the terms and adding like terms gives us,

#x + 7x =-3-5#

#8x=-8#

#x = -1#

Apr 27, 2018

#x=-1#

Explanation:

#"collect terms in x on the left side of the equation and"#
#"numeric values on the right side"#

#rArr5+8x=-3#

#"subtract "5" from both sides"#

#cancel(5)cancel(-5)+8x=-3-5#

#rArr8x=-8#

#"divide both sides by "8#

#(cancel(8) x)/cancel(8)=(-8)/8#

#rArrx=-1#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

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

#5-1-7=-3=" right side"#

#rArrx=-1" is the solution"#