Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

158 Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

e. xx^3 =

2

24 x+

5

Step 1. Eliminate fractions by multiplying both sides by 10, the least com-

mon multiple of 2 and 5. Write 10 as^10

1

to avoid errors.

10 10

1

3

21

24

5

⋅ =⋅

xx− 3 10 2

Step 2. Simplify.

5

1

2

1

1010

1

3

22

100

1

24

55

⋅ =⋅

xx− 3 1010 2

5 (x − 3) = 2(2x+ 4)

5 x − 15 = 4 x+ 8

Step 3. The variable appears on both sides of the equation, so subtract 4x

from the right side to remove it from that side. To maintain balance,

subtract 4x from the left side, too.

5 x − 15 − 4 x = 4 x + 8 − 4 x

Step 4. Simplify both sides by combining variable terms.

x − 15 = 8

Step 5. 15 is subtracted from the variable term, so add 15 to both sides.

x − 15 + 15 = 8 + 15

Step 6. Simplify both sides by combining constant terms.

x= 23

Step 7. Check your answer by substituting 23 for x in the original equation,

xx

=

3

2

24 x+

5

.

Substitute 23 for x on the left side of the equation:

x−

=

3 −

2

23 3

2

==

20

2

10. Similarly, on the right side, you have

24

5

2 4

5

x

=

() 23

46 4

5

50

5

= 10

+

==. Both sides equal 10, so 23 is the correct answer.