Question

How do you evaluate `5- ( 2x + 3) = 13`?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

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

`5 - 2x - 3 = 13`

`5 - 3 - 2x = 13`

`(5 - 3) - 2x = 13`

`2 - 2x = 13`

Next, subtract `color(red)(2)` from each side of the equation to isolate the `x` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`2 - color(red)(2) - 2x = 13 - color(red)(2)`

`0 - 2x = 11`

`-2x = 11`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(-2)` to solve for `x` while keeping the equation balanced:

`(-2x)/color(red)(-2) = 11/color(red)(-2)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-2)))x)/cancel(color(red)(-2)) = -11/2`

`x = -11/2`