Solve for x. 3x = -39 Can someone tell me the steps
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To solve for xxx in the equation 3x=−393x = -393x=−39, follow these steps:
Step 1: Understand the Equation
You have the equation 3x=−393x = -393x=−39. This is a simple linear equation where 3x3x3x represents 3 times some unknown number, xxx, and this equals −39-39−39.
Step 2: Isolate the Variable xxx
In order to find xxx, you need to get rid of the 3 that is multiplying xxx. To do this, you perform the inverse operation of multiplication, which is division.
Step 3: Divide Both Sides by 3
You divide both sides of the equation by 3 to cancel out the multiplication on the left side:3×3=−393\frac{3x}{3} = \frac{-39}{3}33x=3−39
On the left-hand side, the 3s cancel out, leaving just xxx:x=−393x = \frac{-39}{3}x=3−39
Step 4: Simplify the Division
Now, simplify the right-hand side. Divide −39-39−39 by 3:x=−13x = -13x=−13
Step 5: Final Answer
The solution to the equation is x=−13x = -13x=−13.
Explanation:
- The equation starts with 3x=−393x = -393x=−39, which means three times an unknown value is equal to −39-39−39.
- To isolate xxx, you perform the inverse operation of multiplication, which is division.
- Dividing both sides of the equation by 3 results in x=−13x = -13x=−13.
- This method is fundamental for solving linear equations where the variable is multiplied by a constant.
