8 replies to this topic

[raccotaco38]

Well I started a new school this year thats really hard classes and im falling behind terribly in math, and im scared to ask my teacher because some kid did and she makes him go to a different class every day, because hes behind, and everyone makes fun of him.......ok but i need help with equations.


one of them is 2x + 4 = x + 5

[Keira]

Subtract four from both sides, then subract that one X from the right side. Divide by two on both sides. You should end up with..... X=1

[raccotaco38]

Thanks, I just cant think straight through these type of problems.

[TyBoogie]

Keira: Your supposed to move the variable (x) before you move the constant (number). But, either way you do this problem you'll still get x=1.

[Goldfish]

Just as help for the future, in equations, you want to get the variable by itself, and what you do to one side, you need to do to the other. That's usually all you need.

[Nanami]

TyBoogie, on 11 December 2011 - 03:14 PM, said:

Keira: Your supposed to move the variable (x) before you move the constant (number). But, either way you do this problem you'll still get x=1.

Actually, it depends. In that equation, it doesn't matter, but usually, you always subtract/add first, then do any multiplication/division. You're trying to get the variable by itself, so often you are moving the constant before doing anything with the variable.

[TyBoogie]

It depends on the equation always. I'm taking trig and calc, I definitely know the difference. The problem raccotaco is doing is beginners math.

[Nanami]

I'm in college math, and I'm getting straight A's in that class. I know what I'm talking about, too. It generally just has to do with order of operations, anyway. I think Goldfish had the best explanation for the pre-algebra that raccotaco is taking.

[Rachelgirl]

here is my step by step work out of it:

2x + 4 = x + 5
***** -4 **** -4
2x = x + 1
-x * -x
1x=1
x=1

((1x= x))

please excuse my nerdyness,... i hope I helped some, even if others beat me to it... im gonna have to check for more math help in the future...