Solving More Complicated Linear Equations with Integer Coefficients
Need some simpler practice first?
Solving Simple Linear Equations with Integer Coefficients
Example
| $3 - 2x = 5x + 1$ | original equation |
| $3 = 7x + 1$ | add $\,2x\,$ to both sides |
| $2 = 7x$ | subtract $\,1\,$ from both sides |
| $\frac{2}{7} = x$ | divide both sides by $\,7\,$ |
| $x = \frac{2}{7}$ | write in the most conventional way |
Practice
For more advanced students, a graph is available. For example, the equation $\,3 - 2x = 5x + 1\,$ is optionally accompanied by the graph of $\,y = 3 - 2x\,$ (the left side of the equation, dashed green) and the graph of $\,y = 5x + 1\,$ (the right side of the equation, solid purple).
Notice that you are finding the value of $\,x\,$ where these graphs intersect. Click the ‘Show/Hide Graph’ button to toggle the graph.