Question

How do you solve `-4x - 9( x + 6) = - 3( 4x + 6)`?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, expand the terms in parenthesis on both sides of the equation by multiplying each term within the parenthesis by the term outside the parenthesis:

`-4x - color(red)(9)(x + 6) = color(blue)(-3)(4x + 6)`

`-4x - (color(red)(9) xx x) - (color(red)(9) xx 6) = (color(blue)(-3) xx 4x) + (color(blue)(-3) xx 6)`

`-4x - 9x - 54 = -12x - 18`

Next, combine the like terms on the left side of the equation:

`(-4 - 9)x - 54 = -12x - 18`

`-13x - 54 = -12x - 18`

Now, add `color(red)(13x)` and `color(red)(18)` to each side of the equation to solve for `x` while keeping the equation balanced:

`color(red)(13x) - 13x - 54 + color(red)(18) = color(red)(13x) - 12x - 18 + color(red)(18)`

`0 - 36 = (13 - 12)x - 0`

`-36 = 1x`

`-36 = x`

`x = -36`