How do you solve #-6( x + 7) = 12#?

3 Answers
Mar 18, 2018

#x=-9#

Explanation:

#"divide both sides by "-6#

#cancel(-6)/cancel(-6)(x+7)=12/(-6)#

#rArrx+7=-2#

#"subtract 7 from both sides"#

#xcancel(+7)cancel(-7)=-2-7#

#rArrx=-9" is the solution"#

Mar 18, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(-6)# to eliminate the need for the parenthesis while keeping the equation balanced:

#(-6(x + 7))/color(red)(-6) = 12/color(red)(-6)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-6)))(x + 7))/cancel(color(red)(-6)) = -2#

#x + 7 = -2#

Now, subtract #color(red)(7)# from each side of the equation to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#x + 7 - color(red)(7) = -2 - color(red)(7)#

#x + 0 = -9#

#x = -9#

Mar 18, 2018

#x=-9#

Explanation:

Distribute #-6# through the parenthesis

#-6x-42=12#

Add #42# to both sides

#-6x=54#

Divide both sides by #-6# to isolate #x#

#x=-54/6=-9#