Solving the Equation: 1/3 (6x – 5) – x = 1/3 – 2(x + 1)
In this article, we will solve the equation 1/3 (6x – 5) – x = 1/3 – 2(x + 1). To do this, we will follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) and use basic algebraic properties to isolate the variable x.
Step 1: Simplify the Left Side of the Equation
First, let's simplify the left side of the equation:
1/3 (6x – 5) – x = ?
To simplify this expression, we will start by distributing the 1/3 to the terms inside the parentheses:
= 2x - 5/3 - x
Next, we will combine like terms:
= x - 5/3
So, the left side of the equation is x - 5/3.
Step 2: Simplify the Right Side of the Equation
Now, let's simplify the right side of the equation:
1/3 – 2(x + 1) = ?
To simplify this expression, we will start by distributing the 2 to the terms inside the parentheses:
= 1/3 - 2x - 2
Next, we will combine like terms:
= -2x - 1/3 - 2
Step 3: Equate the Two Expressions
Now that we have simplified both sides of the equation, we can equate them:
x - 5/3 = -2x - 1/3 - 2
Step 4: Solve for x
To solve for x, we will add 2x to both sides of the equation:
3x - 5/3 = -1/3 - 2
Next, we will add 5/3 to both sides of the equation:
3x = -1/3 + 5/3 - 2
= -1/3 + 5/3 - 2
= -2
Finally, we will divide both sides of the equation by 3:
x = -2/3
Therefore, the value of x is -2/3.