Question

How do you solve `12(x+20)=372` using the distributive property?

Answer 1

`x=11`

Explanation:

The first step is to distribute the bracket on the left side.

`rArr12x+240=372`

Isolate 12x by subtracting 240 from both sides.

`12xcancel(+240)cancel(-240)=372-240`

`rArr12x=132`

divide both sides by 12

`(cancel(12) x)/cancel(12)=132/12`

`rArrx=11`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

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

`"left side "=12(11+20)=12xx31=372=" right side"`

`rArrx=11" is the solution"`