How do you get the variable alone in a equation?

Answer 1

To explain this, I'll use the example equation: 3x+8=5x-4

To get the variable alone, you must add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides by the correct numbers to get x on one side. This is easier than it sounds.

First, get x on one side. To do this, subtract both sides by 3x, which gives you:

8=2x-4

Next, you must get all the constants on the other side. To do this, add 4 to both sides, giving you:

12=2x

Finally, you have to remove the coefficient from x. To do that, divide both sides by 2, which gives you:

6=x

Plug that back into your original equation, which gives you:

3(6)+8=5(6)-4

18+8=30-4

26=26

This is a true statement, so we know that we have the correct answer.