Solve 5x − 6 = 3x − 8
Because x appears on both sides, first collect the x-terms on one side and the constants on the other.
Problem5x − 6 = 3x − 8
Show detailed solution
Answer: x = −1
Step 1: collect the variable terms
Subtract 3x from both sides: 5x − 3x − 6 = −8. This simplifies to 2x − 6 = −8.
Step 2: move the constant
Add 6 to both sides: 2x − 6 + 6 = −8 + 6, so 2x = −2.
Step 3: divide by the coefficient
Divide both sides by 2: x = −1.
Step 4: check the answer
Substitute x = −1. Left side: 5(−1) − 6 = −11. Right side: 3(−1) − 8 = −11. Both sides match.