Solve for x. –3(x + 1) = 2(x – 8) + 3

Question

Can someone please walk me through the steps for this? Solve for x. –3(x + 1) = 2(x – 8) + 3

Answer 1

Hi Abby

–3(x + 1) = 2(x – 8) + 3

Let's distribute the -3 on the left side, and the 2 on the right side...

-3x-3=2x-16+3

-3x-3=2x-13

Add 3 to both sides...

-3x-3+3=2x-13+3

-3x=2x-10

Subtract 2x from both sides...

-3x-2x=2x-10-2x

-5x=-10

Divide both sides by -5...

(-5x)/-5=-10/-5

x=2

 

Let's check our work...

–3(x + 1) = 2(x – 8) + 3

–3(2 + 1) = 2(2 – 8) + 3

-3(3)=2(-6)+3

-9=-12+3

-9=-9

 

Answer 2

-3(x+1) = 2(x-8) + 3

 

first you multipy, then combine terms

 

so multiplying we get

 

-3x - 3 = 2x - 16 +3

 

Now combine get like terms on the same side of the equation

 

-3x - 2x = 3 - 16 + 3   (got here by adding 3 to both sides and subtracting -2x from both sides)

 

Combine

 

-5x = -10

 

Divide both sides by -5

 

x = 2   This is the solution