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

1 Answer
Jan 22, 2017

#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"#