Solve for x: 2x - 5 = x + 9.

• A. x = 4
• B. x = 16
• C. x = 14
• D. x = 12

Answer: (C)

Solving a linear equation means isolating the variable so both sides balance. Start with 2x - 5 = x + 9. Subtract x from both sides to collect the x term on one side: x - 5 = 9. Then add 5 to both sides to isolate x: x = 14. Check by substituting back: 2(14) - 5 = 28 - 5 = 23, and 14 + 9 = 23, so both sides are equal. Therefore, x equals 14. Any other proposed values won’t balance the two sides.