How do you solve 3x - 5 =16?

1 Answer
Jun 5, 2015

Given 3x-5 = 16

If we add 5 to both sides, we get
color(white)("XXXX")3x = 21

Now, if we divide both sides by 3:
color(white)("XXXX")x = 7

Remember you can add, subtract, or multiply both sides of an equation by any number and the equation remains valid. You can also divide both sides of an equation by any non-zero number and the equation remains valid.