Question

How do you solve `7x - 4+ x = 12`?

Answer 1

Combine like terms.

`stackrel("add")overbrace(7x + x) - 4 = 12`

`8x - 4 = 12`

Move the `-4` over to the other side by adding `4` to both sides.

`8x - 4` `color(green)( + 4) = 16` `color(green)( + 4)`

Divide by `8` to get `x` by itself.

`color(blue)(x) = 16/8 = color(blue)(2)`

You can also check your answer:

`7(2) - 4 + (2) stackrel(?)(=) 12`

`14 - 4 + 2 = 10 + 2 = 12` `color(blue)(sqrt"")`