How do you solve #5-2x=3-2x+2#?

1 Answer
Jul 20, 2016

#x# can have ANY value, and the equation will be true..

Explanation:

This is a special type of equation called an identity.

If you solve in the normal way we find the following:

#2x-2x = 3+2-5#

#0 =0#

Now, while this is a true statement, what does it tell us about #x#?

There is no #x# term left in the equation.!

It means that the equation will always be true, no matter what value of #x# you choose. #x# can have ANY value and the left and the right sides will always be equal.

Sometimes you will have a similar looking equation which leads toa FALSE statement without an #x#. Then the opposite is true, There is NO value of #x# which will make the equation true.