How do you solve for x in #2(x+5)= -2#?

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Answer 1 · 2018-03-06T22:12:06

#x = -6#

#2 ( x + 5 ) = -2#

divide by #2# on both sides

#x + 5 = -2/2#

simplify

#x + 5 = -1#

subtract #5# on both sides

#x cancel(+5) cancel(-5) = -1 - 5#

#x = -6#

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To check our work, let's plug in #-6# for #x# and see if it still equals #-2#:

#2 ( -6 + 5) = -2#

#2 ( -1 ) = -2#

# 2 xx -1 = -2#

#-2 = -2# We were right!