What is x if 3x plus 2 equals 2x - 5?

Answer 1

1. Subtract 2x from each side: x + 2 = -5

2. Subtract 2 from each side: x = -7

The above method is correct, however I find it simplier to write out each step separately rather than subtracting 2x from each side automatically.

3x +2 =2x-5. Subtract 2x from the right and it must be subtracted from the left.

3x-2x+2=-5 Subtract the 2x from the left.

x+2 = -5 Subtract 2 from the left and it must also be subtracted from the right.

x = -5-2 Subtract it.

x =-7