Question

How do you solve `2x + 6= 7x - 8`?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:`x = 14/5`

Explanation:

First, subtract `color(red)(2x)` and add `color(blue)(8)` to each side of the equation to isolate the `x` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`2x + 6 - color(red)(2x) + color(blue)(8) = 7x - 8 - color(red)(2x) + color(blue)(8)`

`2x - color(red)(2x) + 6 + color(blue)(8) = 7x - color(red)(2x) - 8 + color(blue)(8)`

`0 + 14 = 5x - 0`

`14 = 5x`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(5)` to solve for `x` while keeping the equation balanced:

`14/color(red)(5) = (5x)/color(red)(5)`

`14/5 = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(5)))x)/cancel(color(red)(5))`

`14/5 = x`

`x = 14/5`