We can solve any equation by distributing and combining like terms if needed.
After that is done, we use the addition principle of equality and multiplication or division of equality.
The equation we have to solve for above does not need to be distributed and there is no like terms to combine on each side.
Using the addition principle of equality, we can add 7 to each side of the equation to simplify it further.
5x - 7 + 7 = 3x + 5 + 7
5x = 3x + 12
If we also use the addition principle of equality to add -3x to each side of the equation then the 3x on the right-hand side we disappear!
5x + (-3x) = 3x + (-3x) + 12
2x = 12
Now we can use the multiplication or division principle of equality on the equation.
Divide both sides by 2.
2x / 2 = 12 / 2
x = 6
So, x is equal to 6.
