Solve 3x + 5 = 38
The solution of 3x + 5 = 38 is x = 11.
How to work it out
- 1
The goal is to get x alone. Undo the operations in the opposite order: first the addition, then the multiplication.
- 2
Subtract 5 from both sides:
- 3
Divide both sides by 3:
- 4
Check: put x = 11 back into the equation.
LaTeX source of the formulas on this page
\[ 3x + 5 = 38\ \Rightarrow\ x = 11 \]
\[ 3x + 5 = 38 \]
\[ 3x + 5 - 5 = 38 - 5 \ \Rightarrow\ 3x = 33 \]
\[ \frac{3x}{3} = \frac{33}{3} \ \Rightarrow\ x = 11 \]
\[ 3\cdot11 + 5 = 33 + 5 = 38 \checkmark \]Trying values of x in 3x + 5 = 38
| x | 3x + 5 | Equals 38? |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 32 | no |
| 10 | 35 | no |
| 11 | 38 | yes |
| 12 | 41 | no |
| 13 | 44 | no |
Questions
What is x in 3x + 5 = 38?
The solution of 3x + 5 = 38 is x = 11.
How do you solve 3x + 5 = 38?
Subtract 5 from both sides to get 3x = 33, then divide both sides by 3 to get x = 11.
How do I check the answer?
Replace x by 11: 3(11) + 5 = 38, which is 38.