The equation is
According to addition property of equality: if , then
.
(Add 3x to each side)
(Commutative property: a + b = b + a)
(Additive inverse property:
)
(Additive identity property:
) \ \
(Add:
)
(Subtract 12 from each side)
\
(Additive inverse property:
)
(Additive identity property:
) \ \
(Subtract:
)
(Divide each side by 8)
(Cancel common terms)
(Divide:
)
Check:
\To check the solution, substitute in original equation.
(Multiply:
)
(Add:
)
(Subtract:
)
Compare the values, the equation is true.
\
The value of .