How do you solve #-4(3x-2)=-32# using the distributive property?

1 Answer
May 28, 2018

#x = 3 1/3#

Explanation:

We will use the distributive property (shown below) to simplify #-4(3x-2)#:
cdn.virtualnerd.com

Following this image, we know that:
#color(blue)(-4(3x-2) = (-4 * 3x) + (-4 * -2) = -12x + 8)#

Put that back into the equation:
#-12x + 8 = -32#

Now subtract #color(blue)8# from both sides of the equation:
#-12x + 8 quadcolor(blue)(-quad8) = -32 quadcolor(blue)(-quad8)#

#-12x = -40#

Next, divide both sides by #color(blue)(-12)#:
#(-12x)/color(blue)(-12) = (-40)/color(blue)(-12)#

#x = 3 1/3#

Hope this helps!