How do you solve #2(4x + 2) - 8 = 4(x + 3) #?

1 Answer
Feb 12, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, expand the terms in parenthesis on each side of the equation:

#(2 xx 4x) + (2 xx 2) - 8 = (4 xx x) + (4 xx 3)#

#8x + 4 - 8 = 4x + 12#

#8x + -4 = 4x + 12#

#8x -4x = 12+4#

#8x = 4x +16#

Next, subtract #color(red)(4x)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#8x - color(red)(4x) = 4x + 16 - color(red)(4x)#

#(8 - 4)x = 4x - color(red)(4x) + 16#

#4x = 0 + 12#

#4x = 16#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(4)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(4x)/color(red)(4) = 16/color(red)(4)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(4)))x)/cancel(color(red)(4)) = 4#

#x = 4#