Example

Simplifying Before Solving 9x58x6=7{9x - 5 - 8x - 6 = 7}

To simplify the equation 9x58x6=7{9x - 5 - 8x - 6 = 7} before attempting to solve it, apply the process of simplification to each side separately. On the left side, rearrange the terms using the Commutative Property of Addition to group like terms together: 9x8x56=7{9x - 8x - 5 - 6 = 7}. Then, combine the like terms. The xx-terms simplify to xx, and the constant terms simplify to 11{-11}. The result is the simplified equation x11=7x - 11 = 7. Notice that the right side, 7{7}, is already fully simplified. This process prepares the equation for solving by isolating the variable.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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Ch.2 Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

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