How would you find x in 2(x-6)=-18 using more than two steps?

Question

How would you find x in 2(x-6)=-18 

Using two steps or more. 

Answer 1

Ruby:

 

Another way of doing the problem in at least two steps.

 

2(x-6)=-18

 

Step 1: Expand the bracket on the left.  2x - 12 = - 18

 

Step 2: Add 12 to both sides.  2x - 12 + 12 = - 18 + 12. that is, 2x = -6

 

Step 3: Divide both sides by 2: (2/2)x = (-6/2), that is, x = -3.  Done.

 

If you have any questions, please post a comment.

 

Dattaprabhakar (Dr. G.)

Irvine, CA

 

Answer 2

Let's do it one small step at a time.

 

2(x-6)=-18         divide both sides by 2

2(x-6)=-18

    2        2          2/2 = 1  and  -18/2 = -9

x-6 =-9            add 6 to both sides

x-6 +6 = -9+6      -6 +6 = 0   -9=6 = -3

So

x =