Question

how can you isolate x?
19 = 4x + 7

• 7 - 7

12 = 4x
use an inverse operation to get x by itself

Explanation:

Step1: Subtract 7 from both sides

We start with the equation \( 19 = 4x + 7 \). To isolate the term with \( x \), we use the inverse operation of addition (which is subtraction) and subtract 7 from both sides of the equation. This gives us \( 19 - 7 = 4x + 7 - 7 \), which simplifies to \( 12 = 4x \).

Step2: Divide both sides by 4

Now that we have \( 12 = 4x \), we use the inverse operation of multiplication (which is division) to isolate \( x \). We divide both sides of the equation by 4. So, \( \frac{12}{4}=\frac{4x}{4} \), which simplifies to \( 3 = x \).

Answer:

To isolate \( x \) in the equation \( 19 = 4x + 7 \), first subtract 7 from both sides (inverse of addition) to get \( 12 = 4x \), then divide both sides by 4 (inverse of multiplication) to find \( x = 3 \). The key is using inverse operations (subtraction then division) to get \( x \) by itself.