Question

Given the equation 2x-3=5x+4 which of the following is an acceptable first step toward solving the equation?

Answer 1

To solve the equation 2x-3=5x+4, start by isolating the variable terms and then simplifying the expression. The final step is to divide both sides of the equation by a constant to find the value of x.

Step-by-step explanation:

This equation is best because it includes only one unknown, x. We know the values of all the other variables in this equation. To solve for x, we need to rearrange the equation. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Start with the equation: 2x-3=5x+4
2. Add 3 to both sides of the equation to isolate the variable terms: 2x = 5x+7
3. Subtract 5x from both sides to eliminate the variable terms on one side: 2x - 5x = 7
4. Simplify the expression: -3x = 7
5. Divide both sides of the equation by -3 to solve for x: x = -7/3