Question

How do you solve the equation `x+17=10-3x`?

Answer 1

`x=-7/4`

Explanation:

Collect terms in x on the left side of the equation and numeric values on the right side.

add 3x to both sides.

`x+3x+17=10cancel(-3x)cancel(+3x)`

`rArr4x+17=10`

subtract 17 from both sides.

`4xcancel(+17)cancel(-17)=10-17`

`rArr4x=-7`

To solve for x, divide both sides by 4

`(cancel(4) x)/cancel(4)=(-7)/4`

`rArrx=-7/4`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

Substitute this value into both sides of the equation and if they are equal for this value then it is the solution.

`"left side "=-7/4+17=-7/4+68/4=61/4`

`"right side "=10-(3xx-7/4)=40/4+21/4=61/4`

`rArrx=-7/4" is the solution"`