Solve for x: 3x + 5 = 20.

Study for the NYPD 1st Trimester Exam. Our resources include flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare to excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Solve for x: 3x + 5 = 20.

Explanation:
Isolating the variable with inverse operations is the core idea here. To solve 3x + 5 = 20, undo the addition by subtracting 5 from both sides, giving 3x = 15. Then undo the multiplication by dividing both sides by 3, yielding x = 5. Check by substitution: 3(5) + 5 = 15 + 5 = 20, which matches the right side. So x equals 5. This shows how using opposite operations on both sides keeps the equation balanced while revealing the unknown.

Isolating the variable with inverse operations is the core idea here. To solve 3x + 5 = 20, undo the addition by subtracting 5 from both sides, giving 3x = 15. Then undo the multiplication by dividing both sides by 3, yielding x = 5. Check by substitution: 3(5) + 5 = 15 + 5 = 20, which matches the right side. So x equals 5. This shows how using opposite operations on both sides keeps the equation balanced while revealing the unknown.

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