Philomel
3x=x+24 subtract x from both sides of the =
3x=x+24
-x=-x
----------------
2x=0+24 >>>2x=24
lenpol7
Why 2x = 24???
Remember you MUST keep the equals (=) in balance. Its like an old fashioned weigh scales.
Subtract 'x' from both sides; This is like taking weights of the same mass from a weigh balance scales.
Hence
3x - x = x - x + 24
3x take away an 'x' leaves '2x'
& 'x' take away an 'x' leaves no 'x'.
Hence
2x = 24
Keeping the weigh scales in balance, we divide both sides by '2'
2x/2 = 24/2
Cancel down by '2'
x = 12
Hope that helps!!!!
Remember ,where the 'equals' is concerned, whatever you do to one side, you MUST do to the other, other wise the 'equals/weigh scales' is 'unequal/unbalanced'.
David
If: 3x = x+24
Deduct x from both sides: 2x = 24
Divide both sides by 2: x = 12
Iggy Rocko
3x = x + 24
3x - x = x - x + 24
2x = 24
Morningfox
If you start with an equation, you can do the same thing to both sides. You can add the same thing, or subtract, or multiply, or divide. Except you can't divide by zero.
Here we start with 3x = x + 24.
Subtract "x" from both sides.
3x minus x is 2x.
On the right side, x minus x is zero.
That gives us 2x = 0 + 24.
And 0 + 24 is the same as 24.