Simplifying and Solving: 5x = 1/2 + 3x

Question

Solve for x:

5x=12+3x 5x=\frac{1}{2}+3x

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Find X
00:03 Arrange the equation so that X is isolated on one side
00:12 Combine like terms
00:16 Isolate X
00:30 Simplify where possible
00:33 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:37 This is the solution to the question

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Subtract 3x 3x from both sides of the equation.
  • Step 2: Simplify and solve for x x .

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Subtract 3x 3x from both sides
Starting with the equation 5x=12+3x 5x = \frac{1}{2} + 3x , subtract 3x 3x from both sides to get:
(5x3x)=12(5x - 3x) = \frac{1}{2}.

Step 2: Simplify and solve for x x
Simplifying the left side yields 2x=12 2x = \frac{1}{2} .
Next, divide both sides of the equation by 2 to isolate x x :
x=12÷2 x = \frac{1}{2} \div 2 .

When dividing 12 \frac{1}{2} by 2, we are effectively finding half of 12 \frac{1}{2} , which is:
x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=14 x = \frac{1}{4} .

Answer

14 \frac{1}{4}