Step by step
The question
Question: solve x/4 − 2 = 3.
x4 − 2 = 3
1 Remove the fraction
The bottom number is 4.
Times 4 will remove it.
We multiply every part by 4.
We do it on both sides.
Why both sides?
The = sign means both sides are the same amount.
If we change only one side, they are not the same any more.
4 divided by 4 is 1.
Write what is left.
x − 4 × 2 = 4 × 3
Do the multiplications.
No more fractions!
x − 8 = 12
2 Remove the − 8
We want x by itself.
The − 8 is in the way.
To remove − 8, we add 8.
We do it on both sides, so they stay equal.
x − 8 + 8 = 12 + 8
− 8 and + 8 make zero.
Cross them out.
12 + 8 = 20.
12 + 8 = 20
So x = 20!
x = 20
3 Check
Let's check: put 20 in place of x.
Check: 204 − 2 = 5 − 2 = 3
We get 3, the same as the right side.
So x = 20 is right!
Let's look back.
First: remove the fraction.
Then: remove the − 8.
Last: check.
Answer
x = 20