The "-6" is multiplied (distributed) across the parentheses: -6 * 4 and -6 * -3x, which is then -6 * 4 = -24 and -6 * -3x, which is then 18x.
Now you have -24 + 18x - 5x = x
Combine the x's. We need to subtract an "x" from both sides of the equation. This keeps the equation in balance.
-24 + 18x - 5x - x = x - x becomes -24 + 13x - x = 0 which becomes -24 + 12x = 0
Now, we solve for "x", subtracting "12x" from both sides of the equation. This keeps the equations in balance, again.
-24 +12x -12x = 0 - 12x become -24 = -12x.
Divide both sides by -12:
2 = x or
x = 2
Cross check
-6(4 - 3x) - 5x = x
-6(4 - 3(2)) - 5(2) = 2
-6(4 - 6) - 10 = 2
-6(-2) - 10 = 2
12 - 10 = 2
Got it...
Good luck
Bob
