Question

fill in the blanks with the corresponding numbers to solve $5x - 18 = 2x + 3$.
$5x - 18 = 2x + 3$
$5x - \boxed{}x - 18 = 2x - \boxed{}x + 3$
$3x - 18 + \boxed{} = 3 + \boxed{}$
$3x = \boxed{}$
$x = \boxed{}$

Explanation:

Step1: Subtract 2x from both sides

To isolate the x terms, we subtract \(2x\) from both sides of the equation \(5x - 18 = 2x + 3\). So we have \(5x - 2x - 18 = 2x - 2x + 3\).

Step2: Simplify the x terms

Simplifying \(5x - 2x\) gives \(3x\) and \(2x - 2x\) gives \(0\), so the equation becomes \(3x - 18 = 3\).

Step3: Add 18 to both sides

To isolate the term with x, we add \(18\) to both sides. So \(3x - 18 + 18 = 3 + 18\).

Step4: Simplify both sides

Simplifying the left side, \(-18 + 18 = 0\), so we get \(3x = 21\).

Step5: Solve for x

Divide both sides by \(3\): \(x=\frac{21}{3}=7\).

Answer:

First blank (subtracting \(2x\)): \(2\)
Second blank (subtracting \(2x\)): \(2\)
Third blank (adding \(18\)): \(18\)
Fourth blank (adding \(18\)): \(18\)
Fifth blank (\(3x = \)): \(21\)
Sixth blank (\(x = \)): \(7\)

(In order, the blanks should be filled with 2, 2, 18, 18, 21, 7)