8x + 15 = 3x - 20
First, take away '3x' from both sides.
[tex]8x + 15 - 3x = -20[/tex]
Second, subtract '8x - 3x' to get '5x'.
[tex]5x + 15 = -20[/tex]
Third, take away '15' from both sides.
[tex]5x = -20 - 15[/tex]
Fourth, add '-20 - 15' to get '-35'.
[tex]5x = -35[/tex]
Fifth, divide both sides by '5'.
[tex]x = \frac{35}{5} [/tex]
Sixth, how many times does 5 go into 35? 35 ÷ 5 = 7.
[tex]x = -7
[/tex]
Answer: x = -7
