1. ## Multi Step Equation

15 + 3 • 6 ÷ x = 24

I know the answer is 2, but i can't for the life of me show the work for my teacher. I subtract 15 from both sides and get

3•6÷x= 9

then I have tried multiplying 3 • 6 to get 18 ÷ x = 9

of course when you multiply the the 18 of to the 9 x does not equal 2.

What am i doing wrong in my work. Looking at the problem i know i need to get x to equal 2. I just can't figure out how.

2. Originally Posted by Jman115
15 + 3 • 6 ÷ x = 24

I know the answer is 2, but i can't for the life of me show the work for my teacher. I subtract 15 from both sides and get

3•6÷x= 9

then I have tried multiplying 3 • 6 to get 18 ÷ x = 9

of course when you multiply the the 18 of to the 9 x does not equal 2.

What am i doing wrong in my work. Looking at the problem i know i need to get x to equal 2. I just can't figure out how.
$15 + 3 \cdot 6 \div x = 24$

Everything is ok down to $18 \div x=9$

This is going to look a lot better if we change from arithmetic notation to a more algebraic approach. Consider:

$\frac{18}{x}=9$

Multiply both sides of the equation by x.

$18=9x$

Divide both sides of the equation by 9.

$2=x \Rightarrow x=2$