Question

How do you solve the equation x - 5(x - 1) = x - (2x - 2) please explain each step

Answer 1

Answer:

1 = x

Step-by-step explanation:

x-5(x-1) = x-(2x-2)

First, you distrubute your numbers. On the left side, multiply the parentheses by '5', and on the right side multiply the perentheses by '-1'. It should look something like this:

x-5x+5 = x-2x+2

Now, you need to combine like terms. On the left side combine the 'x' and the '-5x'. On the right side combine the 'x' and the '-2x'. It should now look like this:

-4x+5 = -x+2

You need to isolate your variable. Working with positive variables is preferable and can decrease chances of confusion, so add '4x' to both sides, therefore canceling the '-4x' on the left and moving it to the right. It will now look like this:

5 = 3x+2

Subtract '-2' from both sides to get the '3x' by itself. It looks like this:

3 = 3x

For the final step, you want the x by itself. To do this, divide both sides by '3'. This will effectively cancel the '3' on the right side, moving it away from your variable. Your equation should end up being this:

1 = x

Hope this helps!