Question

How do you solve \[50 = - 6x + 4x - 8\] ?

Answer 1

Hint: We use the BODMAS rule and proceed in the manner of ‘Bracket Open Division Multiplication Addition and Subtraction’ to solve. Cancel common factors from both sides of the equation. Solve the given equation i.e. bring all variable values together on one side and all constant values together on the other side. Cancel possible terms and write the equation in simplest form. In the end the equation will give the value of ‘x’ being equal to constant.

Complete step by step solution:
We are given the equation \[50 = - 6x + 4x - 8\]
Since the equation has only one variable i.e. x, we will calculate the value of x.
Take common factor out on right hand side of the equation
\[ \Rightarrow 50 = 2( - 3x + 2x - 4)\]
Cancel same factor on both sides of the equation
\[ \Rightarrow 25 = - 3x + 2x - 4\]
Add terms with same variable on right hand side of the equation
\[ \Rightarrow 25 = - x - 4\]
Shift all variable values to the left hand side of the equation and all constant values to the right hand side of the equation.
\[ \Rightarrow x = - 4 - 25\]
Calculate the values on both sides of the equation
\[ \Rightarrow x = - 29\]

\[\therefore \] Solution of the equation \[50 = - 6x + 4x - 8\] is \[x = - 29\]

Note: Many students try to solve the equation by substituting values of ‘x’ one by one, which is wrong as we have only one variable i.e. x and if we substitute its value we will not get the value of any other variable. Keep in mind the same values can be cancelled from both sides of the equation directly or can be brought to one side of the equation and then subtracted. Also, keep in mind when shifting values from one side of the equation to another side of the equation, always change sign from positive to negative and vice-versa.