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Sometimes, the equation will not start out simplified. If this is the case, simplify the equation before reversing the operations.

Example 4: Solve for x: 6x - 5 - 2x + 3 - 2 = 4

First, simplify the equation by combining like terms: 4x - 4 = 4

  1. Reverse subtraction: 4x - 4 + 4 = 4 + 4
    4x = 8
  2. Reverse multiplication: =
    x = 2
  3. No parentheses.

Check: 6(2) + 5 - 2(2) - 3 + 2 = 12 - 5 - 4 + 3 - 2 = 4

Thus, x = 2

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