Question

solve the equation for x.
3(x - a) + 5b = 4x + a
x = \square (simplify your answer)

Explanation:

Step1: Expand the left side

Using the distributive property \(3(x - a)=3x - 3a\), so the equation becomes \(3x - 3a + 5b = 4x + a\).

Step2: Move all x terms to one side

Subtract \(3x\) from both sides: \(3x - 3x - 3a + 5b = 4x - 3x + a\), which simplifies to \(-3a + 5b = x + a\).

Step3: Solve for x

Subtract \(a\) from both sides: \(-3a - a + 5b = x + a - a\), so \(x = -4a + 5b\) or \(x = 5b - 4a\).

Answer:

\(x = 5b - 4a\)