Question

How do you solve `3x - 5 =16`?

Answer 1

Given `3x-5 = 16`

If we add `5` to both sides, we get
`color(white)("XXXX")` `3x = 21`

Now, if we divide both sides by `3`:
`color(white)("XXXX")` `x = 7`

Remember you can add, subtract, or multiply both sides of an equation by any number and the equation remains valid. You can also divide both sides of an equation by any non-zero number and the equation remains valid.