Question

Solve this equation 8x + 13x = 42

Answer 1

The answer is 2 because you add 8+13 since both have the value x, which makes this like terms. 8 + 13 = 21x.
21x = 42
42/21 = 2

Answer 2

8x + 13x =42
combine like terms:
21x=42
divide sides by the same factor and cancel terms
21x/21 = 42/21
the answer would turn out as:
x = 2