You solve equations be isolating the variable you want to solve for. In this case x. On the left-hand side of the equation, we have 15x - 5x. We can simplify it to 10x.
What we did is called combining like terms. To combine terms, they must have the same variable(s) and exponent. Even though no exponent was shown for either the 15x or 5x, it is implied they are 15x^1 - 5x^1
We don't show the exponent 1 because it doesn't change the value.
Now we have the equation 10x = -47
On the left-hand side, x is being multiplied by 10. We need to reverse the multiplication operation done to x to find the value of x.
What is the opposite of multiplication? Division!
So, just divide the left-hand side by 10.
But, wait! For everything we do on one side, we must also do on the left-hand side. This way, everything stays balanced.
10x / 10 = -47 / 10 x = -47/10
We can change the improper fraction -47/10 into a decimal. Just divide the top by the bottom.
