Question

How do you solve for x in 8x = 16?

Answer 1

Hint: Leave the terms containing the variable x in the L.H.S. while leaving the constant terms in the R.H.S. Now, use simple arithmetic operations like: - addition, subtraction, multiplication or division, whichever needed to simplify the equation. Make the coefficient of ‘x’ equal to 1 and accordingly change the R.H.S. to get the answer.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Here, we have been provided with the equation: 8x = 16 and we are asked to solve this equation, that means we have to find the value of x.
Now, to solve the equation means we have to make the coefficient of the given variable equal to 1. As we can see that the given equation is a linear equation in one variable which is x, so leaving the terms containing the variable x in the L.H.S. and leaving the constant terms in the R.H.S., we have,
\[\Rightarrow 8x=16\]
We have to make the coefficient of x equal to 1, so dividing both the sides with 8, we get,
\[\Rightarrow \dfrac{8x}{8}=\dfrac{16}{8}\]
Cancelling the common factors on both the sides and simplifying, we get,
\[\Rightarrow x=2\]
Hence, the value of x is 2.

Note: One may note that we have been provided with a single equation only. The reason is that we have to find the value of only one variable, that is x. So, in general if we have to solve an equation having ‘n’ number of variables then we should be provided with ‘n’ number of equations. Now, one can check the answer by substituting the obtained value of x in the equation provided in the question. We have to determine the value of L.H.S and R.H.S. separately and if they are equal then our answer is correct.