Solve for X

I have a problem that I have no clue where to start.

Solve for "X"

z = x - m
........5 (had to use . to get the 5 to stay under x - m)

Any hints as to what to do?

J_Barber said:

I have a problem that I have no clue where to start.

Solve for "X"

z = x - m
........5 (had to use . to get the 5 to stay under x - m)

Any hints as to what to do?

Click to expand...

The only reason you have to "solve" for x is that it is not sitting by itself now- you want an equation of the form x= .... And x is not "by itself" because thing have been done to it: m has been subtracted and then the result is divided by 5. To get x by itself (to "solve for x") you have to "undo" those- which means you have to do the opposite things- in the opposite order. The last thing done is "divide by 5" and the opposite of that is "multiply by 5". Of course, whatever you do to one side of an equation, you have to do to the other to keep it a true equation. Multiplying both sides by 5 gives 5z= [(x-m)/5](5)= x- m. The opposite of "subtract m" is "add m". Adding m to both sides, 5z+ m= x- m+ m= x. That is, x= 5z+ m.

I see.. guess it was easier than I was making it out to be.

Thanks!

J_Barber said:

z = x - m
........5 (had to use . to get the 5 to stay under x - m)

Click to expand...

To learn how to format math in text-only form, try here. In this particular instance, the equation may be clearly stated as:

. . . . .z = (x - m)/5