Solve for X in the Equation: 5+x=3 (Linear Equation)

Q: Why does moving a positive number make it negative?

Think of it as balancing a scale! To keep both sides equal, you must subtract the same amount from both sides. Moving +5 from left to right is the same as subtracting 5 from both sides.

Q: Can I get negative answers in math problems?

Absolutely! Negative numbers are just as valid as positive ones. In real life, they represent things like temperatures below zero or money owed.

Q: How do I check if x = -2 is correct?

Substitute back into the original equation: $ 5 + (-2) = 5 - 2 = 3 $. Since this equals 3, your answer is correct!

Q: What if I move x instead of 5?

You can! Moving x to the right gives: $ 5 = 3 - x $, then $ x = 3 - 5 = -2 $. Both methods work, but moving the number is usually easier.

Q: Is there a faster way to solve this?

With practice, you can do this mentally! Just think: 'What number plus 5 equals 3?' Since 3 is smaller than 5, the answer must be negative.

Linear Equations with Negative Solutions

Solve for x:

$5+x=3$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Find X

00:03 Let's arrange the equation so that one side has only the unknown X

00:13 Collect like terms

00:17 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve for x:

$5+x=3$

Step-by-step solution

We will rearrange the equation so that x remains on the left side and we will move similar elements to the right side.

Remember that when we move a positive number, it will become a negative number, so we will get:

$x=3-5$

$x=-2$

Final Answer

-2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When moving terms across equals sign, change their signs
Technique: Move positive 5 to right side: x = 3 - 5
Check: Substitute x = -2 back: 5 + (-2) = 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to change signs when moving terms
Don't move 5 to the right side without changing its sign = x = 3 + 5 = 8 (wrong)! This violates the balance property of equations. Always change the sign when moving terms across the equals sign.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ x+x=8 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does moving a positive number make it negative?

Think of it as balancing a scale! To keep both sides equal, you must subtract the same amount from both sides. Moving +5 from left to right is the same as subtracting 5 from both sides.

Can I get negative answers in math problems?

Absolutely! Negative numbers are just as valid as positive ones. In real life, they represent things like temperatures below zero or money owed.

How do I check if x = -2 is correct?

Substitute back into the original equation: $5 + (-2) = 5 - 2 = 3$ . Since this equals 3, your answer is correct!

What if I move x instead of 5?

You can! Moving x to the right gives: $5 = 3 - x$ , then $x = 3 - 5 = -2$ . Both methods work, but moving the number is usually easier.

Is there a faster way to solve this?

With practice, you can do this mentally! Just think: 'What number plus 5 equals 3?' Since 3 is smaller than 5, the answer must be negative.

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