Solve 5x − 13 = 72

The solution of 5x − 13 = 72 is x = 17.

5x - 13 = 72\ \Rightarrow\ x = 17

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The lines y = 5x − 13 and y = 72 meet at x = 17. The solution of the equation is the x-coordinate of the point where the two sides are equal.

How to work it out

1
The goal is to get x alone. Undo the operations in the opposite order: first the subtraction, then the multiplication.
$5x - 13 = 72$
2
Add 13 to both sides:
$5x - 13 + 13 = 72 + 13 \ \Rightarrow\ 5x = 85$
3
Divide both sides by 5:
$\frac{5x}{5} = \frac{85}{5} \ \Rightarrow\ x = 17$
4
Check: put x = 17 back into the equation.
$5\cdot17 - 13 = 85 - 13 = 72 \checkmark$

LaTeX source of the formulas on this page

\[ 5x - 13 = 72\ \Rightarrow\ x = 17 \]
\[ 5x - 13 = 72 \]
\[ 5x - 13 + 13 = 72 + 13 \ \Rightarrow\ 5x = 85 \]
\[ \frac{5x}{5} = \frac{85}{5} \ \Rightarrow\ x = 17 \]
\[ 5\cdot17 - 13 = 85 - 13 = 72 \checkmark \]

Trying values of x in 5x − 13 = 72

x	5x − 13	Equals 72?
15	62	no
16	67	no
17	72	yes
18	77	no
19	82	no

Questions

What is x in 5x − 13 = 72?

The solution of 5x − 13 = 72 is x = 17.

How do you solve 5x − 13 = 72?

Add 13 to both sides to get 5x = 85, then divide both sides by 5 to get x = 17.

How do I check the answer?

Replace x by 17: 5(17) − 13 = 72, which is 72.

Solve 5x − 13 = 72

How to work it out

Trying values of x in 5x − 13 = 72

Questions

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