Question

How do you solve `17- x = 1+ 3x`?

Answer 1

`x = 4`

Explanation:

First, isolate the variables or `x` terms on one side of the equation and the constants on the other side of the equation while keeping the equation balanced:

17 - x + x - 1 = 1 + 3x + x - 1#

`17 - 0 - 1 = 1 - 1 + 3x + x`

`17 - 1 = 0 + 3x + x`

`17 - 1 = 3x + x`

Next we can consolidate like terms:

`16 = (3 + 1)x`

`16 = 4x`

Finally, we can solve for `x` while keeping the equation balanced:

`16/4 = (4x)/4`

`4 = (cancel(4)x)/cancel(4)`

`4 = x` or `x = 4`