How do you solve 21- ( x + 9) = 8x - 6?21(x+9)=8x6?

1 Answer
Dec 15, 2016

x = 2x=2

Explanation:

First, expand the term in parenthesis and then group and combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

21 - x - 9 = 8x - 621x9=8x6

21 - 9 - x = 8x - 6219x=8x6

12 - x = 8x - 612x=8x6

Now, isolate the xx terms on one side of the equation and the constants on the other side of the equation while keeping the equation balanced:

12 - x + x + 6 = 8x + x - 6 + 612x+x+6=8x+x6+6

12 - 0 + 6 = (8 + 1)x - 0120+6=(8+1)x0

12 + 6 = 9x12+6=9x

18 = 9x18=9x

Now solve for xx while keeping the equation balanced:

18/9 = (9x)/9189=9x9

2 = (cancel(9)x)/cancel(9)

2 = x