# Thread: What is the value of x?

1. ## What is the value of x?

4-2x=2(8-x) multiply out brackets
4-2x=16-2x -4 both sides
-2x=12-2x +2x both sides
12

i have to work out the value of x but this doesnt seem to work out,
i have also tried

-2x=12-2x +2x both sides
0x=12

but anything times by 0 is x...

2. Originally Posted by Arcane10

4-2x=2(8-x) multiply out brackets
4-2x=16-2x -4 both sides
-2x=12-2x +2x both sides
12

i have to work out the value of x but this doesnt seem to work out,
i have also tried

-2x=12-2x +2x both sides
0x=12

but anything times by 0 is x... Anything times by 0 is 0.

Hi Arcane10,

You ended up with 0 = 12 which is a false statement. Therefore, the equation has no solution. There is no value of x that will satisfy this equation.

3. ## Thanks

Thanks, it seems it was the question after all! my maths teacher isnt too bright and so ill tell him that he made a faulty question.

4. Originally Posted by Arcane10
Thanks, it seems it was the question after all! my maths teacher isnt too bright and so ill tell him that he made a faulty question.
The question isn't faulty and your maths teacher is probably very bright.

When studying simultaneous linear equations later, you will find that their graphs will either cross, be parallel or coincide with each other. When they are parallel, there is no solution.

If you have a graphing calculator, graph the left side of your equation as

$Y_1=4-2x$

Now graph the right side as

$Y_2=16-2x$

Get the picture? If you don't have a graphing calculator, you can graph it here: Graphing Calculator