Please help solve for x: x-(x-1)/2=3

Question

Hi, I'm a beginner when it comes to algebra, well i have done it but not this complex.

The equation is x-(x-1)/2=3

My I get that i have to multply both sides of the = sign by 2, which leaves me with x-x-1=6, thats the way I understand it, after that everything just messes up with me on paper, and searching others answers just wont help, they dont help because they give me the answer but what does it matter if I dont know why the first x os also multiplied when its not what i've been taught? I really need a detailed answe so that i can figure a similar equation out in future by myself.

Answer 1

Following through with your idea, you should have multiplied x by 2:

2x-(x-1)=6

Remember that minus outside a bracket changes the signs within the bracket:

2x-x+1=6, x+1=6, x=5.

Always check your answer by going back to the original equation and substituting for x:

5-(5-1)/2=5-2=3 which is correct!

I’m pleased that you want to work out these problems for yourself. So many students just want someone to do the problems for them, over and over again. That’s no fun. You’ll get a kick out of solving them yourself.