Question

How do you solve `8(x-3)=96` using the distributive property?

Answer 1

x = 15

Explanation:

Given
`8(x - 3) = 96`
Solve for x

1) Clear the parentheses by distributing the 8
`8x - 24 = 96`

2) Add 24 to both sides to isolate the `8x` term
`8x = 120`

3) Divide both sides by 8 to isolate `x`
`x = 15` ← answer

Answer
`x = 15`
........................

Check
Using the original equation, sub in 15 in the place of `x`
to see if the equation is still true
`8(x - 3) = 96`
Sub in 15 in the place of `x`
`8(15 - 3) = 96`
This equation should still really equal 96

Distribute the 8
`8(10 + 5) - 8(3)` should still equal 96
`80 + 40 - 24` should still equal 96
`120 - 24` should still equal 96
96 does equal 96
Check!