Solve 5x ā 13 = ā23
The solution of 5x ā 13 = ā23 is x = -2.
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.
- 2
Add 13 to both sides:
- 3
Divide both sides by 5:
- 4
Check: put x = -2 back into the equation.
LaTeX source of the formulas on this page
\[ 5x - 13 = -23\ \Rightarrow\ x = -2 \]
\[ 5x - 13 = -23 \]
\[ 5x - 13 + 13 = -23 + 13 \ \Rightarrow\ 5x = -10 \]
\[ \frac{5x}{5} = \frac{-10}{5} \ \Rightarrow\ x = -2 \]
\[ 5\cdot(-2) - 13 = -10 - 13 = -23 \checkmark \]Trying values of x in 5x ā 13 = ā23
| x | 5x ā 13 | Equals -23? |
|---|---|---|
| -4 | -33 | no |
| -3 | -28 | no |
| -2 | -23 | yes |
| -1 | -18 | no |
| 0 | -13 | no |
Questions
What is x in 5x ā 13 = ā23?
The solution of 5x ā 13 = ā23 is x = -2.
How do you solve 5x ā 13 = ā23?
Add 13 to both sides to get 5x = -10, then divide both sides by 5 to get x = -2.
How do I check the answer?
Replace x by -2: 5(-2) ā 13 = -23, which is -23.