Question

How do you solve `-38= 2( x - 4) - 7x`?

Answer 1

x=6

Explanation:

First, to get rid of the parentheses, you would distribute the 2. Then you would get -38 = 2x - 8 - 7x. By combining like terms, you would simplify that to -38 = -8 -5x. To get the term with a variable on one side, you would add 8 to both sides, leaving you with -30 = -5x. Dividing by -5 on both sides would leave you with x=6.

Answer 2

`x=6`

Explanation:

`"distribute bracket on right side"`

`-38=2x-8-7x`

`rArr-38=-5x-8`

`"add 8 to both sides"`

`-38+8=-5xcancel(-8)cancel(+8)`

`rArr-5x=-30larrcolor(blue)"reverse equation"`

`"divide both sides by "-5`

`(cancel(-5) x)/cancel(-5)=(-30)/(-5)`

`rArrx=6`

`color(blue)"As a check"`

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

`"right "=2(6-4)-(7xx6)=4-42=-38=" left"`

`rArrx=6" is the solution"`