Question

If the first step in the equation 2x-8=5x+3 is "subtract 2x," then in the form of a paragraph explain in complete sentences the next steps necessary to completely solve the equation for x.

Answer 1

Answer:

Subtract 3 from both sides of equation -8 = 3x+3

Divide both sides of equation -11 = 3x

Step-by-step explanation:

Given equation : $2x-8=5x+3$

On subtracting 2x from both sides, we get

$2x-8-2x=5x+3-2x\\(2x-2x)-8=(5x-2x)+3\\0-8=3x+3\\-8=3x+3$

We need to find further steps to complete the equation for x .

On subtracting 3 from both sides of equation -8 = 3x+3, we get

$-8=3x+3\\-8-3=3x+3-3\\-11=3x+0\\-11=3x$

On dividing both sides by 3, we get

$-11=3x\\\\\frac{-11}{3}=\frac{3x}{3}\\\\\frac{-11}{3}=x$

So, further steps are:

Subtract 3 from both sides of equation -8 = 3x+3

Divide both sides of equation $-11=3x$  by 3

Answer 2

2x - 8 = 5x +3
First you will subtract the 2x and you will end up with -8 = 3x + 3.  Then you will need to move the 3 over by subtraction.  You will end up with -11 = 3x.  Now you will divide each side by 3 to get the x by itself.  You end up with -11/3 = x as your final answer.