How do you solve #\frac { 5- 2x } { 3} = 9#?

1 Answer
Mar 25, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(3)# to eliminate that fraction while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(3) xx (5 - 2x)/3 = color(red)(3) xx 9#

#cancel(color(red)(3)) xx (5 - 2x)/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(3))) = 27#

#5 - 2x = 27#

Next, subtract #color(red)(5)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-color(red)(5) + 5 - 2x = -color(red)(5) + 27#

#0 - 2x = 22#

#-2x = 22#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(-2)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(-2x)/color(red)(-2) = 22/color(red)(-2)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-2)))x)/cancel(color(red)(-2)) = -11#

#x = -11#