The key to these kinds of equations is slowly getting all of the same terms on one side (numbers on one side, x on the other) and to do that you have to do the opposite function to both sides.
Personally, I would distribute the - to the x and the 3 first
4 - x - 3 = x+5
then combine like terms
1 - x = x + 5
Now do the opposite function to both sides. Since x is subtracted on the left we have to add it to both sides. Since five is added on the right we have to subtract it from both sides.
Then check your answer by plugging it back into the original equation.
No matter which way you think is easiest, you should always get the same answer.
PRACTICE it yourself though. People on the internet can't help you on the test. You need to be able to do these problems on your own if you want to succeed.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
4-(x+3)=x+5
Let's clarify that the - before the () can be understood as follows:
4-1(x+3)=x+5 or 4+ (-1)(x+3)=x+5
Go ahead and subtract the 4 from both sides to get it out of the way
4+(-1)(x+3)-4=x+5-4
-1(x+3)=x+1
Multiply in the -1 to the parenthesis
-x-3=x+1
Add 3 to both sides
-x-3+3=x+1+3
-x=x+4
Subtract x from both sides
-x-x=x+4-x
-2x=4
Divide both sides by -2
(-2x)/-2=4/-2
x=-2
Double check
Does 4-(-2+3) = -2+5?
4-(1)=3?
Yes.
4-(x+3)=x+5
add (x+3) to both sides
4=x+5+(x+3)
combine like terms
4=2x+8
Get x by itself
-2x=4
solve for x
x=-2
Check your answer
4-(-2+3)=-2+5
4-1=3
3=3
4-(x+3)=x+5
4-x-3=x+5 ------- distribute the - to the x and 3
-x+1=x+5 ------- add the 4 and -3
-2x=4 ------------- move the x to the other side and move the 1 with the 5 and combine like terms
-2x/2=4/-2 ------- isolate the variable by dividing -2 by both sides
x=-2
The key to these kinds of equations is slowly getting all of the same terms on one side (numbers on one side, x on the other) and to do that you have to do the opposite function to both sides.
Personally, I would distribute the - to the x and the 3 first
4 - x - 3 = x+5
then combine like terms
1 - x = x + 5
Now do the opposite function to both sides. Since x is subtracted on the left we have to add it to both sides. Since five is added on the right we have to subtract it from both sides.
Then check your answer by plugging it back into the original equation.
No matter which way you think is easiest, you should always get the same answer.
PRACTICE it yourself though. People on the internet can't help you on the test. You need to be able to do these problems on your own if you want to succeed.