Terms and Numbers Mixed
Part of the Fundamentals section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 24 of 64.
In 4x + 3 - 2x = 11, a number sits between the two x-terms. The order of the terms in a sum does not matter, so you can collect the terms that are alike. Here 4x - 2x is 2x, and the 3 stays as it is.
2x + 3 = 11
Now it is an ordinary two-step equation. Subtract 3 from both sides, then divide by 2, and you get x = 4. Check: 4 × 4 + 3 - 2 × 4 = 16 + 3 - 8 = 11.
When you collect terms, keep each sign with its term. The second x-term here is -2x, not 2x. Plain numbers on the same side collect too: x + 5 - 2 is x + 3. Simplify until each side has at most one x-term and one number, then undo.
Challenge
MediumSolve the equation 6x + 5 - 2x = 25 for x.
Try it yourself
Solve for x
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Fundamentals
1What an Equation Is
The EquationFinding the UnknownThe Same to Both SidesSolved Means AloneRecap: First Equations4Two-Step Equations
Two Layers to UndoSubtract, Then DivideAdd, Then DivideA Division InsideNegatives in Two StepsRecap: Two-Step Equations2One-Step Equations
Undoing AdditionUndoing SubtractionUndoing MultiplicationUndoing DivisionInverse OperationsRecap: One-Step Equations5Tidying First
Like TermsTerms and Numbers MixedThe Distributive PropertyDistributing a SubtractionTidy, Then SolveRecap: Tidying First