How do you solve #2/7x-3=-8#?

1 Answer
Jan 19, 2017

#x=-35/2#

Explanation:

First note that #2/7x=(2x)/7#

To eliminate the fraction, multiply ALL terms on both sides of the equation by 7, the denominator of the fraction.

#(cancel(7)^1xx(2x)/cancel(7)^1)-(7xx3)=(7xx-8)#

#rArr2x-21=-56#

add 21 to both sides.

#2xcancel(-21)cancel(+21)=-56+21#

#rArr2x=-35#

To solve for x, divide both sides by 2

#(cancel(2) x)/cancel(2)=(-35)/2#

#rArrx=-35/2#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

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

#x=-35/2to(cancel(2)^1/cancel(7)^1xx-cancel(35)^5/cancel(2)^1)-3#

#=-5-3=-8=" right side"#

#rArrx=-35/2" is the solution"#