Exercise 30 Page 154

To solve the given literal equation for

x,

we will use the Properties of Equality to apply inverse operations on the equation. Remember, only like terms can be combined.

a x + b x = - c

Factor out $x$

x (a + b) = - c

$LHS / (a + b) = RHS / (a + b)$

\frac{x ( a + b )}{a + b} = \frac{- c}{a + b}

Cancel out common factors

\frac{x ( a + b )}{a + b} = \frac{- c}{a + b}

Put minus sign in front of fraction

x = - \frac{c}{a + b}