2x-4x-12 equals -5x plus 12? - Answers

2x - 4x - 12 = -5x + 12Simplify: -2x -12 = -5x + 12Add 12 to both sides of the equation:-2x = -5x + 24Add 5x to both sides of the equation:3x = 24Hence, x = 8========================== I assume you want to solve this for the variable x... 2x - 4x - 12 = -5x + 12 You should always collect like terms on each side of the equation as a first step. On the left-hand side, the 2x and -4x, combine to give us -2x -2x - 12 = -5x + 12 Now we want to go about isolating the x. To do that we need to get all variable terms on one side of the equation (let's say the left) and all number terms on the other side (the right). We'll start by working on the left side. If we want only x-terms on that side, we need to get rid of that -12, if I add 12 to it, it will cancel out the -12 and I'm left with only 2x on that side. But whatever you do to one side of the equation to must do to the other so you don't upset the balance over the equal sign. We must add 12 to the right side as well. -2x - 12 + 12 = -5x + 12 + 12 (then we simplify each side) -2x = -5x + 24 Now that we have only letter terms on the left, we switch our attention to the right and focus on getting only number terms there. In this case I will need to get rid of the -5x, by adding 5x which will cancel it out. But again whatever I do to one side I must also do to the other, so I have to add 5x on the right as well. -2x + 5x = -5x + 24 + 5x (then we simplify each side) 3x = 24 Now the I have only letter terms on one side, and only number terms on the other, I need to get rid of the 3 in front of the x. The 3 is multiplying the x, so to get rid of it I do the opposite and divide. But again I must do this on both sides of the equation, so I divide 24 by 3 as well. x=8