Write the equation represented by the diagram at right.  

1. Simplify as much as possible and then solve for $x$.

   Step 1(a):

   Change all subtraction to addition.

   Step 2(a):

   Combine like terms

   Step 3(a):

   Add 2 to both sides.

   Step 4(a):

   Move the variable to one side of the equation.

   Answer (a):

   $1+(−3)+2x=(−x)+(−3)+(−2)+(−x)$

   $−2+2x=−2x+(−5)$

   $−2+2x=−2x+(−5)$
   $+2\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ +2$

   $2x=−2x+(−3)$

   $2x=−2x+(−3)$
   $+2\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ +2$

   $4x=−3$

   $x=−0.75$

2. Check your solution.

   Answer (b):

   Insert the number you got for $x$ into your original equation to make sure it is correct.