Solving four-part linear equations

Solving equations can get tricky when there are x terms on both sides, but thankfully there is a simple rule to help you. Always get rid of the smaller amount of x.

Solve four-part equation

$$2x+3=4x-5$$

The smaller amount of x is the $2x$, so subtract this from both sides.

$$2x+3-2x=4x-5-2x$$

$$3=2x-5$$

Now we can solve.

$$3+5=2x-5+5$$

$$8=2x$$

$$8÷2=2x÷2$$

$$4=x$$

We can swap the x and the 4 around.

$$x=4$$