3x + 7 = x - 15
First, make sure to subtract [tex]x[/tex] from both sides.
[tex]3x + 7 - x = -15[/tex]
Second, simplify 3x - x to get 2x, and then keep the 7.
[tex]2x + 7 = -15[/tex]
Third, subtract [tex]7[/tex] from both sides.
[tex]2x = -15 - 7[/tex]
Fourth, simplify -15 - 7 to get -22.
[tex]2x = -22[/tex]
Fifth, take the 2 and divide both sides by it, keeping the [tex]x[/tex] by itself.
[tex]x = - \frac{22}{2} [/tex]
Sixth, since 11 goes into 2 to get 22, simplify the fraction to 11.
[tex]x = -11[/tex]
Answer: x = -11
