How do you solve #3(x - 4)=3x - 12#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-02-19T09:40:39

#x# can have any value

Right from the beginning you might notice there is something strange about this equation.

Multiply out the bracket:

#3(x-4) = 3x-12#

#3x -12 = 3x -12" "larr# both sides are exaclty the same.

Solve as usual:

#3x -3x = -12+12#

#0= 0#

While this is a correct statement, there is no #x# left to solve for.

This answer tells us that the equation is a special type of equation called an identity which will be true for any value of #x#.