How do you solve #5(x+2) = 7(x-2)#?

1 Answer
Feb 3, 2017

#x=12#

Explanation:

distribute the brackets on both sides of the equation.

#rArr5x+10=7x-14#

collect terms in x on the left side and numeric values on the right side.

subtract 7x from both sides.

#5x-7x+10=cancel(7x)cancel(-7x)-14#

#rArr-2x+10=-14#

subtract 10 from both sides.

#-2xcancel(+10)cancel(-10)=-14-10#

#rArr-2x=-24#

To solve for x, divide both sides by - 2

#(cancel(-2) x)/cancel(-2)=(-24)/(-2)#

#rArrx=12#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

Substitute this value into the equation and if the left side equals the right side then it is the solution.

#"left side "=5(12+2)=5xx14=70#

#"right side "=7(12-2)=7xx10=70#

#rArrx=12" is the solution"#