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How is 8 - x = 5 solved?

If the variable is not first in a subtraction equation, how would it be solved? I know this is a simply problem and the answer is 3, but I'm looking for a systematic way of solving it.

16 Answers

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  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    8 - x = 5

    Add x to both sides.

    8- x + x = 5 + x

    On the left side, the -x and +x cancel out to give 0.

    8 = 5 + x

    Subtract 5 from both sides.

    8 - 5 = 5 + x - 5

    On the right side, the 5 and -5 cancel to give 0.

    3 = x

  • 8 years ago

    Even if the variable is not first in a subtraction question, it can still be solved.

    8-x=5

    First, you would try to get the variable by itself, so you would take 8 away from both sides.

    8-x=5

    -8 -8

    -x = - 3

    Now, to get x to be positive, you would divide both sides by -1.

    (-x = - 3) / - 1

    x=3

    Dividing the equation by -1 doesn't change the equation, because the answer is still the same either way. -x= -3 is the same as x=3.

    Hope this helps!

  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    Subtract 5 (the answer) from 8 (the start number)

    10 - x =5

    X = 5

    If the answer is more the variable (x) will be negative

    8 - x = 10

    X = -2

    Source(s): I've done this before
  • 8 years ago

    8 - x = 5

    - x = - 3

    or

    x = 3.

  • 8 years ago

    8-x=5

    x=3

  • ?
    Lv 5
    8 years ago

    You have to get the "x" alone so you must subtract 8 from both sides of the equation. So 8-x=5

    -8. -8

    So. -x= -3

    Negatives cancel each other out

    So x = 3

  • 8 years ago

    8 - x = 5

    -x=5-8

    -x=-3

    x=-3/-1

    x=3

  • 8 years ago

    8 - x = 5

    Add the x to both sides (thus getting rid of -x on the left)

    8=5+x

    subtract 5 from both sides

    3=x (x=3)

  • 8 years ago

    8 - x = 5

    8 - x + x = 5 + x

    8 = 5 + x

    8 - 5 = 5 - 5 + x

    3 = x

    x = 3

    CHECK

    8 - (3) = 5

    8 - 3 = 5

    5 = 5

    Source(s): my own fevered brain...!
  • 8 years ago

    you can bring the x to the other side..

    8 = 5 + x

    x = 8-5

    x = 3 ....

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