Solve 3x − 7 = 14
The solution of 3x − 7 = 14 is x = 7.
Problem
Answer
Step-by-step solution
Step 1: Add 7
Add 7 to both sides.
Step 2: Divide by 3
Divide both sides by 3.
Step 3: Check
3(7) − 7 = 21 − 7 = 14.
Why this works
The constant is subtracted from 3x, so the first inverse operation is addition. After 3x = 21, divide by 3. Linear equations of this form have one solution when the coefficient of x is not zero.
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Frequently asked questions
What if the coefficient of x were 0?
Then the equation would either be an identity or a contradiction, not a unique value of x.