How do you solve #6-x-3=4x-12#?

1 Answer
Jan 30, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, combine the constants on the left side of the equation:

#6 - 3 - x = 4x - 12#

#3 - x = 4x - 12#

Next, add #color(red)(x)# and #color(blue)(12)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#3 - x + color(red)(x) + color(blue)(12) = 4x - 12 + color(red)(x) + color(blue)(12)#

#3 + color(blue)(12) - x + color(red)(x) = 4x + color(red)(x) - 12 + color(blue)(12)#

#15 - 0 = 5x - 0#

#15 = 5x#

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

#15/color(red)(5) = (5x)/color(red)(5)#

#3 = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(5)))x)/cancel(color(red)(5))#

#3 = x#

#x = 3#