Question

How do you solve `2x+1=8`?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, subtract `color(red)(1)` from each side of the equation to isolate the `x` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`2x + 1 - color(red)(1) = 8 - color(red)(1)`

`2x + 0 = 7`

`2x = 7`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(2)` to solve for `x` while keeping the equation balanced:

`(2x)/color(red)(2) = 7/color(red)(2)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2)))x)/cancel(color(red)(2)) = 7/2`

`x = 7/2`

Answer 2

`x = 7/2`

Explanation:

The first step is to get `x` by itself. You subtract the `1` from both sides

`2x +1-1=8-1`

So now you only have

`2x=7`

You divide both sides by `2` to get `x` by itself.

`(2x)/2=7/2`

and you get your answer!

`x=3.5`