Answer:
x = 5/2cm
Step-by-step explanation:
Because this is a square and each side is equal to each other in length, we can say:
7x + 3 = 5x + 8
We can start rearranging this equation to collect like terms:
7x = 5x + 8 - 3
7x = 5x + 5
7x - 5x = 5
2x = 5
x = 5/2
We can test this out by substituting our new found value for x into the original equation:
7 * (5/2) + 3 = 5 * (5/2) + 8
(35/2) + 3 = (25/2) + 8
I'm going to change the integers (3 and 8) to fractions so the arithmetic is easier, as they'll all have the same denominator.
(35/2) + (6/2) = (25/2) + (16/2)
(41/2) = (41/2)
So as you can see above, with x = 5/2, both sides are equal.
You don't need to put the fractions in brackets; I just do that to make it look a little less messy.
Also, I've only included the units (cm) in the answer. I don't like using units when doing calculations, but your teacher may ask you to perform the calculations using the units throughout.
