How do you solve #3- 2/3 (x-5) = 9#?

1 Answer
Jul 9, 2016

#x = -4#

Explanation:

Following the order of operations, we need to multiply/distribute the #-2/3# across the numbers in the parenthesis.

#3 - 2/3(x) + 2/3(5) = 9#

#3 - 2/3x + 10/3 - 9#

Now We can combine like terms in the left side of the equation.

#19/3 - 2/3x = 9#

Now we need to isolate the variable. Get all variable terms to one side by moving the #19/3 to the right side.

#-2/3x = 8/3#

Then get rid of the coefficient by dividing out the fraction (same as multiplying by the reciprocal).

#x = -4#