Question

Which is the correct first step in solving the equation shown? 33 - 2x = 31

Answer 1

Answer:

Subtract 33 from each side

Step-by-step explanation:

33-2x=31

Subtract 33 from each side

33-33-2x = 31-33

-2x = -2

Answer 2

Answer:

Subtract 33 from both sides.

Step-by-step explanation:

Remember that when you are solving for x, to always do the opposite of PEMDAS. Note that anything you do should be on the side of where the variable is, but that because of the equal sign, you must do your operation on the other side as well.

In this case, the first step is to subtract 33 from both sides:

33 (-33) - 2x = 31 (-33)

-2x = 31 - 33

Next, you are to simplify:

-2x = (31 - 33)

-2x = (-2)

-2x = -2

Then, divide -2 from both sides to fully isolate the variable, x. Remember to always fully isolate the variable, and bring the negative sign as well:

(-2x)/-2 = (-2)/-2

x = -2/-2

x = 1

x = 1 is your answer.