Question

If the first step in the solution of the equation `-9 +x= 5x- 7` is "subtract x," then what should the next step be?

Answer 1

`x = -(1/2)`

Explanation:

`-9 +x = 5x - 7`

Subtract x from both sides.

`-9 cancel(+ x) cancel(- x) = 5x -7 - x`

`-9 = cancel(5)^4x cancel(- x) - 7 = 4x`

Add +7 to both sides

`-cancel(9)^2 cancel(+ 7) = 4x cancel(-7) cancel(+7)`

`-2 = 4x`

Divide both sides by 4

`-cancel(2)^1 / cancel(4)^2 = (cancel(4)x) / cancel4`

`x = -(1/2)`