Question

How do you solve `2( 5x - 1) = 5( x + 11)`?

Answer 1

`x = 11.4`

Explanation:

We solve this problem using the distributive property.

Since the `5x - 1` is inside a parenthesis with a 2, that means it is 2 times 5x AND 2 times -1.

`2 * 5x = 10x` and `2 * -1 = -2`

On the other side of the equation, 5 is multiplying x AND 11, so:
`5 * x = 5x` and `5 * 11 = 55`

So now our equation looks like this:
`10x - 2 = 5x + 55`

Now we just need to simplify by putting all the variables on one side (preferably left for clarity) and numbers on the right of the equation (preferably right).

`5x = 57`

`x = 11.4`

If you still need help with solving this type of equation, watch the Khan Academy video: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/one-variable-linear-equations/alg1-equations-with-parentheses/v/solving-equations-with-the-distributive-property