MHB Solve linear algebra equation 2x – 1 = 9 – 3x

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the linear algebra equation 2x – 1 = 9 – 3x, where the solution process involves isolating x. Initially, it is suggested to rearrange the equation, leading to -1 = 9 - 5x. After further manipulation, the correct solution is found to be x = 2. Additionally, another equation, 4(3b-1)+6=5(2b+4), is also solved, resulting in b = 9. The participants express appreciation for the clarity of the explanations provided.
gazparkin
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Hi,

Could someone help me with this question:

2x – 1 = 9 – 3x

Thank you in advance!
 
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gazparkin said:
Hi,

Could someone help me with this question:

2x – 1 = 9 – 3x

Thank you in advance!

Sorry, there's another one that I'm stuck on too. Really interested to understand the working out on this.

4(3b-1)+6=5(2b+4)
 
gazparkin said:
Hi,

Could someone help me with this question:

2x – 1 = 9 – 3x

Thank you in advance!
Step 1: Get all the x's on one side: Subtract 2x on both sides:
2x - 1 - 2x = 9 - 3x - 2x

-1 = 9 - 5x

Now do the same with the numbers. Can you finish?

-Dan

- - - Updated - - -

gazparkin said:
Sorry, there's another one that I'm stuck on too. Really interested to understand the working out on this.

4(3b-1)+6=5(2b+4)
Expand the parentheses:
4(3b - 1) + 6 = 5(2b + 4)

[math]4 \cdot 3b + 4 \cdot (-1) + 6 = 5 \cdot 2b + 5 \cdot 4[/math]

Now combine terms:
12b - 4 + 6 = 10b + 20

12b + 2 = 10b + 20

Now it's like your first problem. Can you finish?

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Step 1: Get all the x's on one side: Subtract 2x on both sides:
2x - 1 - 2x = 9 - 3x - 2x

-1 = 9 - 5x

Now do the same with the numbers. Can you finish?

-Dan

- - - Updated - - -Expand the parentheses:
4(3b - 1) + 6 = 5(2b + 4)

[math]4 \cdot 3b + 4 \cdot (-1) + 6 = 5 \cdot 2b + 5 \cdot 4[/math]

Now combine terms:
12b - 4 + 6 = 10b + 20

12b + 2 = 10b + 20

Now it's like your first problem. Can you finish?

-Dan
Thanks Dan - makes this really clear. The first one I get x=4 and the 2nd one I get b=9.
 
gazparkin said:
Thanks Dan - makes this really clear. The first one I get x=4 and the 2nd one I get b=9.
The second one is okay. Let's take another look at the first one. I left off with
-1 = 9 - 5x

Now get the numbers:
-1 - 9 = 9 - 5x - 9

-10 = -5x

[math]\dfrac{-10}{-5} = \dfrac{-5x}{-5} [/math]

2 = x

-Dan
 
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