Question

Solve each of the following equations and verify the answer in each case:
5x − 3 = x + 17

Answer 1

5x − 3 = x + 17
⇒ 5x − x = 17 + 3 [Transposing x to the L.H.S. and 3 to the R.H.S.]
⇒ 4x = 20
⇒ $\frac{4x}{4}=\frac{20}{4}$ [Dividing both the sides by 4]
⇒ x = 5
Verification:
Substituting x = 5 on both the sides:
L.H.S.: 5(5) − 3
⇒ 25 − 3
⇒ 22

R.H.S.: 5 + 17 = 22
⇒ L.H.S. = R.H.S.
Hence, verified.