If 5 + 3x = 20, what is the value of x?

Prepare for your College Math Placement Test with our expert-crafted quiz! Practice with diverse question formats and detailed explanations to enhance your math skills and boost your confidence.

To solve the equation (5 + 3x = 20), we begin by isolating the term that contains (x).

First, subtract 5 from both sides of the equation to eliminate the constant on the left side:

[

5 + 3x - 5 = 20 - 5

]

This simplifies to:

[

3x = 15

]

Next, to solve for (x), divide both sides by 3:

[

x = \frac{15}{3}

]

Calculating the right side gives us:

[

x = 5

]

This value of (x) satisfies the original equation, confirming that it is correct. To verify, substitute back into the original equation:

[

5 + 3(5) = 5 + 15 = 20

]

Since both sides of the equation equal 20, the solution (x = 5) is validated, making it the correct answer.