Solving equation with one variable finding x

An equation is a mathematical sentence that uses an equal sign, =, to show that two expressions are equal.

You must gather the x's on one side and the numbers on the other. Then you'll be able to solve the problem.

Example 1:

2x + 12 = -4x + 36

Solution:

Step1:

Gather the x's on one side and the numbers on the other:

2x + 4x = 36 - 12

Step2:

Then, solve for x:

6x = 24

x = 24 $\div$ 6

x = 4

Answer: 4

Example 2: Finding x: word problems

The United States federal deficit in 2012 was estimated to be $1.09 trillion. There were approximately 314,000,000 people in the U.S. in 2012. How much was the deficit per person? Round to the nearest dollar.

Solution:

The deficit per person is x (the unknown).

So, x = $\frac{deficit}{people}$

x = $\frac{1090000000}{314000000} = \frac{1090}{314} = 3.47$

Rounded answer: 3