literal equation:

solve for x
ax=bx-c

ax=bx-c

ax - bx = -c
x(a-b) = -c
x = -c/(a-b) or c/(b-a)

ok I was getting confused on pulling the x to one side, thank you for explaining out.

now if I had to put in specific question
8x=3x-10, would I -3x on both sides
8x-3x=-10
5x=-10
x=-2??

yes, good job

To solve the literal equation ax = bx - c for x, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Start by isolating the variable x on one side of the equation.

To do this, subtract bx from both sides of the equation:
ax - bx = bx - bx - c

This simplifies to:
ax - bx = -c

Step 2: Factor out the common variable x from the left side of the equation.

Taking out x as a common factor gives us:
x(a - b) = -c

Step 3: Finally, divide both sides of the equation by (a - b) to solve for x.

Dividing both sides by (a - b) gives us:
x = (-c) / (a - b)

Therefore, the solution for x in the equation ax = bx - c is x = (-c) / (a - b).