Create functions from the left-hand and right-hand sides of the equation.
Number of Solutions: One solution. Solution: x=2
Practice makes perfect
To graph the equation 3x-1=- x+7, we will create two functions out of the left- and right-hand sides of the equation.
f(x)=3x-1 and g(x)=- x+7
The x-coordinate where the graphs of these functions intersect is the solution to our equation.
The graphs intersect at x=2, which is our one solution for this equation. We can verify this algebraically by solving the equation.
To check this solution, we will substitute it back into the given equation and simplify. If doing so results in a true statement, our solution is correct.
