8+2(x-5)=2[8-6(x+2)]

Question

8+2(x-5)=2[8-6(x+2)]

Answer 1

We need to first focus on some distribution, from the inside out.  See if you can follow this:

 

• 8+2x-10=2[8-6x-12]   To start, I distributed the 2 on the left, which has to multiply by both the x AND the -5.  On the right, I distributed the inner 6 only, to both the x and the 2.  Remember it's -6.
• 2x-2=2(-4-6x)   Here I combined the 8 and -10 on the left, and also combined the 8 and -12 on the right
• 2x-2=-8-12x     Now I distributed the 2 on the right
• 14x-2=-8     Now I've added 12x to both sides, to eliminate it from the right
• 14x=-6       Same idea, I've added 2 to both sides to eliminate that term on the left
• x=-6/14=-3/7   Divide both sides by 14 and simplify
• x=-3/7

Answer 2

8 + 2(x - 5) = 2[8 - 6(x + 2)]

8 + 2x - 10 = 2[8 - 6x - 12]

-2 + 2x = 2[-4 - 6x]

-2 + 2x = -8 - 12x

-2 + 14x = -8

14x = -6

x = -3/7