144 = -12(x+5)

Question

need help with work from school i dont understand fully

Answer 1

144 = -12 (x+5)

We are solving for x. Follow the order of operations PEMDAS (parentheses, exponents, multiplication or division, addition or subtraction) to simplify the right side. So the first step is to work through the parentheses. -12 multiplied by each piece inside the parentheses

144 = -12x -60

Next we want to try to get the x on it's own side of the equal sign. Whatever you do to one side you must do to the other. So add 60 to each side

144 = -12x -60

+60           +60

204 = -12x + 0

204 = -12x

The last step is to make the x variable stand alone. Since whatever you do to one side you do to the other, divide both sides by -12

204 = -12x

-12      -12

-17 = x

Answer 2

First, you'll want to distribute the -12 across the parentheses... that will make it 144 = -12x - 60 

Second, get the x by itself by adding 60 to both side... that'll make it 204 = -12x

Last, divide both sides by -12 ... that'll make it -17 = x